A 3-year-old child in Mississippi tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamines, which triggered an investigation that led to the arrest and detainment of a woman.
Cassie Neely, 35, and Paul Eric Leathers, 47, were the caretakers of the toddler, said the Lee County Sheriff’s Department in a statement. There were three other children in their home, according to officials, adding that they were removed from the home and are being cared for by the Lee County Child Protective Services.
Authorities said that after an investigation, “It was discovered that both caretakers of the children had lengthy criminal histories and both tested positive for methamphetamine.”
Officials did not disclose Leathers’ and Neely’s relationship to the four children.
“Warrants were then issued for the arrest of both caretakers for felony child abuse,” it said.
Neeley was taken into custody on Aug. 4 and is in the Lee County Jail on $100,000 bond. Leathers is still currently on the run and is believed to be driving a silver Ford F-150 and is possibly in the Mooreville area.
People with information about the whereabouts of Paul Leathers can call the Lee County Sheriff’s Department at 662-841-9040, or the dispatch at 662-680-5766, or 911.
Other details about the case were not immediately provided.
