Two people accused of child endangerment were indicted on enhanced charges handed down by a Kentucky grand jury after further consideration of the initial allegations.
On the evening of August 26, 31-year-old Stephanie Michelle Lynch reportedly left her children, ages 5 and 6, in her Pikeville residence under the care of 21-year-old Harley D. Tubbs.
The mother of the children reportedly stepped out for about 60-minutes while her youngsters remained with Tubbs.
During the time that the children were reportedly with Tubbs, someone in a neighboring apartment notified the Pikeville Police Department with claims that they could hear what sounded like a child yelling for help while they knocked loudly on her door.
Officers went to the apartment reported, which was purported to be Lynch’s residence, and when they tried to knock no one came to the door. It was noted that the police heard noises coming from inside that sounded like youngsters crying out.
Due to their reported concern, the officers entered the apartment to make sure that the children were not in danger.
When they reached the second floor of the apartment, the police said that they saw Lynch’s youngsters sobbing and alone, in addition to noting that needles and illegal narcotics appeared to be within reach of the kids.
Upon searching around the apartment, the police found Tubbs trying to conceal himself under a bed, and noted that he had a hypodermic needle in his pocket that had a substance inside which the man reportedly said was suboxone.
Lynch returned home, and when she allegedly allowed the authorities to inspect her dwelling they allegedly found a small bag amount of methamphetamine, a vial containing a broken orange pill, a spoon with a substance melted on the surface, and a used syringe.
Tubbs was taken into custody and booked into the county jail for suspicion of second-degree wanton endangerment, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Lynch was detained for accusations of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a minor, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The youngsters were removed from the home by the Department of Protection and Permanency.
When Lynch and Tubbs were indicted on September 9, a grand jury elevated their charges regarding the allegations.
Both suspects were given sentence enhancements for the initial child endangerment charges, which are now elevated to two counts each of felony first-degree wanton endangerment.
The enhancement will extend the one-year penalty for misdemeanor child endangerment to up to five years jail time if they are found guilty.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.