A Nowata couple has been arrested for child neglect and child endangerment after police say they found the couple’s young children living in a home full of dead mice and trash.

 

Nowata police say they entered Ashley Abel and Jason Jones Jr.’s home after they were called to a disturbance. A caller said that they could hear a woman screaming for help.

 

Officers say that when they met Abel at the apartment she was very erratic and appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic. According to officers, the Abel allowed officers into the apartment after she said that she didn't know if her children were okay. She later admitted to using and selling drugs.

 

Officers report that the conditions inside the apartment were deplorable. They report seeing dead mice, trash, and food on the floor, it was deemed a safety hazard.

 

The children, ages 2 and 4, were found and were breathing but unresponsive. EMS was called for the children and the mother was taken custody. The father, Jones Jr., was also taken into custody after he returned home.

 

Abel was charged with child neglect, child endangerment while Jones Jr was also with child neglect, child endangerment, possession with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

 

The children were taken to St. John's in Tulsa where they tested positive for the presence of narcotics. They are expected to survive.

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEWS ON 6