January 15th, 2026 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Potosi couple is facing a combined 24 felony charges following a Washington County Sheriff’s Office investigation into allegations of severe abuse and neglect involving two children.
Authorities say the investigation began in December 2025 after the Missouri Division of Family Services alerted the sheriff’s office to allegations involving two children, ages 13 and 14. According to probable cause statements, investigators determined the children’s mother and her boyfriend allegedly subjected the children to repeated acts of abuse over an extended period. Court documents allege the children were locked inside a chicken pen and that BB rifles were used to shoot at them.
Investigators also reported evidence of additional incidents, including abuse at a birthday party and so-called “fight nights,” where the children were allegedly forced to fight one another. The mother is also accused of inappropriate sexual contact involving one of the children. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence where the alleged abuse occurred. Both suspects were taken into custody and later provided statements to investigators regarding the allegations outlined in the probable cause affidavits.
Jerry Menees has been charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of armed criminal action, two counts of abuse or neglect of a child, one count of unlawful use of a weapon, and three counts of first-degree domestic assault. He is being held without bond.
Chantel Hayford has been charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, four counts of abuse or neglect of a child, and two counts of first-degree domestic assault. She is also being held without bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.