Missouri Couple Arrested Over Alleged Years-Long Child Abuse and Neglect
A Missouri couple has been arrested and charged with a series of horrific child abuse offences, including allegations of locking terrified teenagers in a chicken pen, forcing them to fight each other, and shooting at them with BB guns. The case, which has shocked local authorities, involves severe neglect and abuse that two children, aged 13 and 14, endured for at least two years.
Disturbing Details of the Alleged Abuse
According to police reports, the abuse included so-called 'fight nights' where the victimised children were compelled to harm one another, with one such incident allegedly occurring at a child's birthday party. The couple, identified as Chantel Hayford and Jerry Menees, are also accused of threatening the teens with real firearms, warning them they would be shot if they disclosed the abuse to anyone.
Furthermore, the teenagers' mother, Hayford, faces accusations of inappropriate sexual contact with one of the children. Charging documents indicate that the couple allegedly provided drugs and alcohol to the minors while refusing to feed or house them properly, leading to severe malnourishment.
Custody Traded for a Mobile Phone
In a particularly shocking twist, it is alleged that after years of abuse, Hayford traded custody of the malnourished victims to an adult guardian in exchange for a cell phone and a phone plan. This arrangement was reportedly documented through a power of attorney. The situation came to light when the guardian reported that the severely underweight children arrived at her home asking for food.
Medical experts have determined that the children, who were not enrolled in school, lacked basic literacy skills and could not read or write, highlighting the extent of their neglect.
Arrests and Charges
The suspected abusers were arrested on January 13 after authorities executed a search warrant at their home in Potosi, Missouri, where the abuse is said to have transpired. Jerry Menees faces multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
- Two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child
- Two counts of armed criminal action
- Two counts of abuse or neglect of a child
- One count of unlawful use of a weapon
- Three counts of domestic assault
Chantel Hayford has been charged with:
- Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
- Two counts of first-degree domestic assault
- 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
Background and Investigation
The Washington County Sheriff's Office was notified of the case in December after the Division of Family Services flagged the alleged horrors. Evidence pointed to a pattern of ongoing abuse, with police describing the neglect as severe. On a social media account appearing to belong to Hayford, she describes herself as a 'hardworking mother of five' who works as a cashier and salesperson, contrasting sharply with the allegations.
Authorities continue to investigate, and the case has drawn widespread attention due to its disturbing nature and the serious charges involved.
