BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A Martin County mother faces child endangerment and drug-related charges after police discovered drugs and a lack of running water in her home Thursday.

Chief Deputy Chris Kidd of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, responding to complaints of drug trafficking, conducted a “knock and talk” at 40-year-old Jessica Harless’ home in Inez. Upon the officer’s arrival, Harless and Jonathan Mollett, 35, of Louisa, emerged from the residence.

Mollett displayed signs of nervousness, including difficulty speaking clearly and repeatedly reaching into his pocket, raising suspicions of him carrying a weapon. A subsequent pat-down revealed a knife, a small bag containing a crystal substance, and a straw in Mollett’s possession.

During the investigation, Harless informed Deputy Kidd that she had marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the house and had used marijuana earlier that day.

The officer’s entry into the home revealed not only the presence of drugs and paraphernalia but also a 12-year-old child, later identified as Harless’ biological child, for whom Harless’ custodial rights had been terminated years earlier.

Kidd also discovered a lack of running water in the home.

The deputy contacted the Department for Social Services, resulting in the child being taken from the home for alternate placement.

Harless and Mollett were arrested and transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.

Harless is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.

Mollett stands accused of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.