Couple Mary Reed and James Johnson arrested after children found in deplorable condition

LA GRANGE, Ga. - Deputies say they have arrested and charged a couple who forced their two children to live in what investigators called "deplorable living conditions" in a shed outside a Troup County home.

According to the Sheriff's office, they responded to a call on August 11 to find two adults, who had two young children staying with them, sleeping in a shed outside a home in the 200 block of Leathea Dr.

A woman living at the home called authorities after she let the children come into the house for shelter. Once authorities arrived, they found Mary Reed, 36, and James Johnson, 27, in the shed.

Deputies said Reed and Johnson were in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. They also said Reed left the children in poor living conditions and failed to supervise them.

Reed was charged with two counts of child deprivation. She and Johnson were each charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine.

The children were put into the care of child welfare workers.