CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Two Kermit residents face child neglect charges after deputies said they left two young children unattended in a vehicle while they played poker machines inside a Williamson establishment.

David W. Compton and Lori A. Messer, both of Kermit, were arrested by Mingo County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. N. Mines and Deputy T. Layne. Each faces one count of child neglect.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, deputies received a call around 2 p.m. Friday reporting that a young child had been left unattended inside a vehicle while the driver was inside the G & V Club playing poker machines. When officers arrived, they discovered two small children inside the vehicle without adult supervision.

Deputies reviewed surveillance footage from the business and determined both adults had been inside the G & V Club for approximately 59 minutes without checking on the children.

All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.