Tip Leads to Arrests After Child Found in Box

 
 

Several North Judson residents face neglect of a dependent charges after investigators in Pulaski County reportedly found a three-year-old girl in a plywood box.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department was notified of the possible abuse on Tuesday, Dec. 13. They were told a three-year old girl was being kept inside a locked wooden box at a residence near Denham during the evening and for extended periods of time.

The Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office helped to obtain a search warrant through Pulaski Circuit Court, and deputies served it early Wednesday morning.

They reportedly found a three-year-old girl locked inside a plywood box in the living room of the residence. Deputies also found several adults inside the residence as well as a vehicle and camper on the property and arrested them all.

Deputies also found five other children inside the residence. They were released into the custody of local Department of Child Services officials.

Felony neglect of a dependent charges have been filed against 42-year-old Donna Short, 25-year-old Christopher Short and 18-year-old Patricia Meeks, all of North Judson.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Michael Meeks, 38-year-old Thelma Meeks, 36-year-old Derrick Butala, 18-year-old Shawn Griffin, 19-year-old Anna Senesac and 18-year-old Timothy Senesac of North Judson are all charged with failure to report child abuse.

Officials with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department stress the investigation is ongoing and say additional information will be released when it becomes available.

Pulaski County EMS also assisted with the response.