Potosi, Missouri – A Missouri couple is facing a long list of felony charges after investigators say they subjected two teenage children to prolonged and extreme abuse, including locking them inside a chicken pen and shooting at them with BB guns. The allegations were outlined in court documents obtained by Fox News Digital and confirmed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Arrests and Charges Filed
Authorities said Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees were arrested on January 13 following an investigation into allegations of abuse and neglect involving two children, ages 13 and 14.
Menees has been charged with multiple felonies, including 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. He also faces one count of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of first-degree domestic assault.
Hayford faces 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 defendants are currently being held without bond.
Investigation Triggered by Abuse Report
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began after the Division of Family Services alerted deputies to serious allegations of abuse and neglect. That report led investigators to obtain a search warrant and ultimately make the arrests.
Court records include a detailed probable cause statement outlining what investigators described as a sustained pattern of mistreatment involving the two teenagers.
Allegations of Confinement and Gun Threats
According to investigators, the children told authorities they were locked inside a chicken pen that was fastened shut and then shot at with BB guns. Court documents further allege the teens were threatened with real firearms, including a handgun, and warned they would be shot if they ever reported the abuse.
The warrant application also describes repeated physical violence, intimidation, and what investigators called organized “fight nights,” during which the children were allegedly forced to fight one another.
Trafficking-Related Allegations
Investigators said the abuse allegations expanded after an adult guardian reported that the children showed up at her home asking for food. According to court records, the guardian later told authorities that the children’s mother agreed to transfer custody of them in exchange for a cellphone and phone plan.
Authorities said that arrangement was documented through a power of attorney and formed the basis for trafficking-related charges included in the case.
Severe Neglect and Educational Deprivation
Court documents allege the children were severely underweight when they arrived at the guardian’s home and had not been enrolled in school. Medical providers later determined the teenagers could not read or write, according to investigators.
Officials said these findings further supported allegations of long-term neglect and abuse.
Case Remains Under Investigation
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and credited the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services for their assistance.
Authorities have not released additional details, citing the active nature of the case and the involvement of minors.
