Bismarck Parents Indicted on Child Endangerment Charges Following Domestic Disturbance

Bismarck, Mo. (KFMO) - A Bismarck couple has been indicted on child endangerment charges following a domestic disturbance investigation that resulted in several children being placed into protective custody.

According to the Bismarck Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Spruce Street at approximately 11:36 a.m. on July 23 for a report of a domestic disturbance in progress.

When officers arrived, they made contact with both parties involved. During the investigation, officers located minor children inside the residence and discovered what police described as deplorable living conditions.

Officers also determined that the children were in need of medical attention due to injuries. The children were taken into protective custody, and the Missouri Department of Social Services Children's Division was notified.

The children were transported for medical treatment, while the parents were taken into custody and transported to the St. Francois County Jail. They were initially placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of warrants.

The following day, a report was submitted to the St. Francois County Prosecutor's Office. Warrants were subsequently issued for Valirie Warren and Jake Sutton.

Both Warren and Sutton were charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Their bonds were initially set at $50,000 cash or surety.

Police say additional children who were not at the residence when officers conducted their investigation were later located and also placed into protective custody.

Warren and Sutton have since had their bonds reduced. However, the case continued to move forward, and on August 12, a St. Francois County Grand Jury issued indictments against both defendants.

The charges are allegations, and Warren and Sutton are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.