BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
DELBARTON, W.Va. — A Delbarton couple is facing child neglect and drug charges after a 2-year-old girl reportedly ingested marijuana while staying at their home, according to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department.
Paul Douglas Hunt, 52, and Deborah Hunt, 51, were arrested April 22 by Mingo County sheriff’s deputies following an investigation that began with an emergency call to the Black Bear Trail Restaurant in Delbarton.
According to a criminal complaint, Deputy T.J. Justice was on routine patrol when he responded to the restaurant after employees reported that Austin Hunt told them a 2-year-old child had ingested marijuana.
Sgt. Norman Mines and Deputy Josh Tincher also responded and spoke with Austin Hunt, who told officers the child had been staying at a residence on Riverside Drive with Paul and Deborah Hunt, according to the complaint.
Deputies went to the home and spoke with Deborah Hunt, who permitted them to conduct a walk-through of the residence, according to the complaint.
While inside, officers observed another child in the home. In a back bedroom, deputies reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana and seeing a white powdery substance in a clear wrapper.
While deputies were still at the residence, Paul Hunt arrived in a white Jeep. Officers reported smelling what they believed to be marijuana coming from him. They said he was advised of his Miranda rights before he consented to a search of the vehicle.
During the vehicle search, deputies allegedly found a large bag of marijuana, a smaller bag of marijuana and scales.
After obtaining a search warrant for the home, deputies reportedly found a bag containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine inside the residence.
The criminal complaint states the 911 call involved two foster children, one of them 2 years old and the other 5 months old. The children were reportedly in the care of Paul and Deborah Hunt.
Paul Hunt was charged with two counts of possession with intent to deliver and two counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. His bond was set at $50,000.
Deborah Hunt was charged with two counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. Her bond was set at $30,000.
Both were arraigned before Magistrate Donald Sansom and lodged in the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden.
Deputies B. Sipple and J. May also assisted in the investigation.