TENNESSEE — A Johnson City couple was arrested after authorities discovered an infant living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions during a welfare check, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a home on Huffine Road just after noon Monday to assist the Department of Children’s Services in removing the child.
When officers arrived, the child’s mother, identified as 27-year-old Clair Elise McCain, refused to release the child to DCS workers. Deputies eventually secured the infant safely and transferred custody to the agency.
The sheriff’s office said the home contained holes in the floor, loose electrical cords, and a strong ammonia odor caused by four cats living inside. Animal control took custody of the animals. Both McCain and the child’s father, 39-year-old Joseph Donald Brooks, were charged with non-violent child abuse and neglect. McCain was arrested at the scene, while Brooks turned himself in Tuesday evening.
The pair are being held on $10,000 bond each and are scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
