BEVERLEY KY (January 20, 2020) - The Bell County Sheriff's Department is reporting that: On Monday, January 13, 2020, at approximately 3:26 PM Bell County Deputy Edward Dray, was dispatched to a Sturgill Lane residence in Beverly, Kentucky in response to an anonymous caller requesting a welfare check on an 18-month-old toddler.
The caller told dispatch that she had recently been at the home and tried to get someone to answer, but no one would come to the door. She also stated that she could hear a toddler screaming inside the home and there was no vehicle present at the residence.
Once on scene Deputy Dray saw the front door was open and could see the home was very cluttered by random items and trash.
The deputy saw the woman - determined later to be the mother of the toddler - identified as 34 year old Sherrie Helton, standing in the bedroom near a dresser along with the father of the child, Sherrie’s twin sister, and the 18-month-old.
Once Helton saw Deputy Dray, she immediately began opening/shutting dresser drawers acting very nervous and exhibiting behavior consistent with recent drug use.
After consent was given to the deputy to enter the home, an investigation revealed that Helton had an outstanding warrant and she was placed under arrest.
Upon entry into the bedroom, Deputy Dray saw numerous syringes/needles (both capped and uncapped), scattered around the room.
A further search revealed:
- Over 100 syringes/needles located within the bedroom
- A metal spoon
- Shoe-string tourniquets
- Alcohol prep pads
- Numerous small clear plastic bags
- Five yellow, orange & clear plastic bags containing a clear crystal substance believed to be Crystal Methamphetamine
Sherrie Helton later admitted possession of the items and that she recently used Crystal Methamphetamine. She also stated that she, the father of the child, and the toddler all slept in the bedroom where the drugs and drug paraphernalia were found.
Deputy Dray states that the toddler appeared to be healthy, but due to the circumstances the case was reported to Health and Family Services to open an investigation for neglect/abuse of the child.
Sherrie Helton age 34 was charged with:
- Possession of controlled substance - 1st degree, 1st offense (Methamphetamine)
- Buying/possessing drug paraphernalia
- Endangering the welfare of a minor
- Bench warrants for court
Photo is courtesy of the the Bell County Detention Center.
