An ongoing undercover narcotics operation by the Picayune Police Department resulted in the arrest of two Picayune residents on Sept. 2, which found three minors living in less than suitable conditions.
On that date, detectives served a search warrant at 221 Farrell Street Apt. C and found one suspect, Constance Magdalene Hyneman, 29, of that address, in the front yard, Assistant Chief Magri said.
Detectives found the second suspect, Christopher Cowart, 19, of that address, in a back bedroom packaging a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, Magri said.
After detaining the suspects, detectives searched the residence, locating several bags containing what appeared to be marijuana, digital scales, marijuana pipes, several rolled marijuana cigarettes, and numerous schedule II narcotics later identified as Dilaudid and Dextroamphetamine in plastic bags, allegedly intended for sale, Magri said.
Detectives also located a clear plastic container containing what was believed to be marijuana seeds, Magri said.
Detectives found three children, aged 1, 2 and 9 years, in the home wearing diapers that allegedly not been changed in three to four days and one child had a gash on his head covered with a sticker, Magri said.
It is believed the children slept in the same bed, which contained animal feces, Magri said.
According to detectives, the floor of the house was covered in animal and human feces, the toilet was clogged and the bathtub contained dirty clothes and water that appeared to have been there for several days. The refrigerator contained molded and rotting food and several knives were found on the floor, Magri said.
Due to the poor quality of the residence and concern for the children’s health, an ambulance and the Department of Human Services were called to the scene, who transported the children to the hospital, Magri said.
Hyneman and Cowart were charged with sale of controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school or church, three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1,500 feet of a school or church, conspiracy to cultivate marijuana, three counts of felony child neglect and possession of paraphernalia, Magri said.
Hyneman was additionally charged with three counts of child abuse involving children being present during the sale of drugs and was transferred to the county jail but later released on a $45,000 bond, Magri said.
Cowart was additionally charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and was released on a $172,500 bond, Magri said.