Missouri Couple Chantel Spring Hayford and Jerry Allen Menees charged For Locking Teens In Chicken Pen
Zak Holden
POTOSI, Mo. — A Washington County couple was arrested Tuesday and charged with multiple felonies in a case that authorities described as prolonged child abuse and neglect.
Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees, both of Potosi, were taken into custody Jan. 13 following a search of their home, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said.
Court documents allege the couple locked two teenage boys, ages 13 and 14, in a chicken pen and shot at them with BB guns. Deputies also say the children were given alcohol and illegal drugs, denied adequate food and shelter and forced to fight each other at gatherings described in charging papers as “fight nights.”
Chantel Hayford was arrested on a slew of child abuse and neglect charges
Jerry Menees, Hayford's boyfriend, allegedly participated in the sickening abuse of her children
Hayford, who is related to the teens, and Menees face a string of charges that include kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child, abuse or neglect of a child and domestic assault, according to charging documents. Hayford also was charged with first-degree sexual abuse, while Menees faces counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.
He was also hit with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of domestic assault.
Both defendants are being held without bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 20 in Washington County.
