Antler, Bottineau County (trfnews.i234.me) – Jared and Haley Jones of Antler, North Dakota, are facing felony child neglect charges after a disturbing scene was uncovered by deputies on March 27.
Authorities responded to a welfare check after school staff reported a 10-year-old boy was skipping school to babysit his three younger siblings, including a 6-month-old infant. Deputies found the children alone in a filthy, feces-covered house swarming with flies and insects.
The infant was left in a crib covered in insect feces. Garbage, animal waste, and dirty diapers were found throughout the home. The parents were unreachable except via Facebook Messenger. Jared Jones admitted he left the boy in charge while he went to work, despite having active warrants including for fleeing police and drug charges.
Haley Jones later arrived and broke down in tears, claiming she was too busy with nursing school to maintain the home. The children were placed with a relative, and a 960 report of suspected abuse was filed.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.