Potosi couple charged in child abuse case

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) issued a public statement on Jan. 14 regarding a case it has been investigating since December 2025.

The Missouri Division of Family Services (DFS) contacted law enforcement regarding a report that alleged minors were victims of extreme abuse and neglect.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, a search warrant was executed at the residence where the alleged incidents occurred. Chantel Spring Hayford, 39, and Jerry Allen Menees, 53, of Potosi, were taken into custody by authorities and transported to the Washington County Jail where there are currently being held on no body.

According to court documents, allegations made included that the children’s mother and her boyfriend allegedly locked the children in a chicken pen and used BB rifles to shoot at them. There was evidence to indicate a longstanding pattern of abuse, including an incident at a child’s birthday party and organized “fight nights” where the children were forced to fight one another. Additional reports of abuse included the children being forced to steal food and money; being forced to eat bugs and leaves; being forced to take prescription and street drugs; and being forced to drink alcoholic beverages.

Other allegations include having a 9-mm firearm pointed at the juveniles with threats of having their “brains blown out” by Menees.

Deplorable living conditions were described, with floors and beds being covered with dog and cat feces. One of the victims told investigators that when they were taken to their current guardians, they arrived with dried animal feces crusted on their faces.

Menees’ charges include: two counts of kidnapping (first degree), two counts of endangering the welfare of a child (first degree), two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of abuse or neglect of a child, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of domestic assault (first degree).

Hayford’s charges include: two counts of kidnapping (first degree), one count of sexual abuse (first degree), three counts of endangering the welfare of a child (first degree), four counts of abuse or neglect of a child, and two counts of domestic assault (first degree).

Bond reduction hearings are scheduled for Jan. 20 in Washington County with Judge Tony Doresett presiding.

In addition to providing information on the charges, the Jan. 14 statement from Washington County Sheriff Dwayne Reed also expressed his gratitude to the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services for their assistance in the joint investigation.

Anyone aware of child victims of abuse or neglect should report it to the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738. If there is a danger of harm or death to a child, immediately contact 911.

This is a developing story that will be updated as information becomes available.

Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is the editor for The Daily Journal and The Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.