Missouri Couple Faces Charges in Alleged Child Abuse Case
A Missouri couple has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following allegations of severe abuse against two teenage children. The case, unfolding in Washington County, Missouri, highlights the importance of strong families and the devastating consequences when those bonds are broken.
Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees, whose age is not publicly available, both residents of Potosi, Missouri, were taken into custody on January 13th. The charges against them paint a disturbing picture of the alleged abuse.
Menees is facing serious charges, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, armed criminal action, abuse or neglect of a child, unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of first-degree domestic assault. Hayford is charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, four counts of abuse or neglect of a child, and two counts of first-degree domestic assault. Both are being held without bond, reflecting the severity of the accusations.
The investigation began after the Division of Family Services alerted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office to potential abuse and neglect involving two children, ages 13 and 14. A subsequent search warrant led to the arrests.
According to court documents, the children allege they were locked inside a chicken pen with the entrance fastened, and then shot at with BB guns. These allegations are deeply troubling and represent a serious betrayal of the trust and safety that children should expect from their guardians.
The court records also detail further allegations of threats involving real firearms, including a handgun. The children reportedly stated they were warned they would be shot if they spoke about the abuse. Such threats create a climate of fear and silence, making it even more difficult for victims to come forward.
The warrant application also describes a pattern of alleged ongoing abuse and neglect, including repeated physical violence, intimidation, and disturbing “fight nights” where the children were allegedly forced to fight each other.
Investigators reported that the alleged abuse led to the trafficking charges after an adult guardian reported the children came to her home seeking food and later said their mother agreed to transfer custody of them in exchange for a cellphone and phone plan, an arrangement authorities said was documented through a power of attorney.
When the children arrived at the guardian’s home, it was reported that they were severely underweight and had not been enrolled in school. Medical assessments later indicated that the children struggled with basic literacy skills, being unable to read or write.
This case underscores the critical role that families play in the well-being of children. A stable, loving home environment is essential for raising responsible and productive citizens. When families fail, it is up to communities and government agencies to step in and protect the vulnerable. It also points to the need for continued support for families in crisis, offering resources and guidance to help them overcome challenges before they lead to harm.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is still ongoing. They have acknowledged the assistance of the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services in this case.
