Missouri Couple Arrested After Alleged Long-Term Abuse: Teens Locked in Chicken Pen, Shot At With BB Guns

Authorities in Washington County, Missouri, say a Potosi couple has been arrested and charged after investigators allege a prolonged pattern of severe abuse in which two teenagers were confined in a chicken pen and shot at with BB guns.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees (age redacted in court records) were taken into custody on Jan. 13 and are being held without bond.

Jerry Allen Menees faces multiple felony charges after investigators say two teens were locked in a chicken pen, shot at with BB guns and subjected to prolonged abuse.(Fox News)

Charges

• Jerry Allen Menees: Two counts each of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, armed criminal action and abuse or neglect of a child; one count of unlawful use of a weapon; and three counts of first-degree domestic assault.
• Chantel Spring Hayford: 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.

Allegations

Chantel Spring Hayford faces multiple felony charges after investigators say two teens were locked in a chicken pen, shot at with BB guns and subjected to prolonged abuse.

According to a probable cause statement and search-warrant affidavits obtained by reporters, investigators say the two victims — ages 13 and 14 — told authorities they were locked inside a chicken pen that had been fastened shut and were shot at with BB guns. Court records also allege the children were threatened with real firearms, including a handgun, and warned they would be shot if they disclosed the abuse.

Investigators further describe an ongoing pattern of physical violence and intimidation. The filings allege the defendants staged so-called "fight nights" in which the children were forced to fight one another.

A Missouri couple faces multiple felony charges after investigators say two teens were locked in a chicken pen, shot at with BB guns and subjected to prolonged abuse.

Additional Concerns

An adult guardian told deputies the teenagers came to her home seeking food; she reported they were severely underweight and not enrolled in school. The guardian later said the children’s mother agreed to transfer custody in exchange for a cellphone and phone plan, an arrangement deputies say was documented by a power of attorney. Medical providers later determined the youths had significant educational deficits, including inability to read or write, according to court records.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and credited the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services for their assistance. As these are allegations, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.