An Arizona mother is facing criminal charges after troopers reportedly found her two young children showed signs of abuse and neglect during a traffic stop earlier this month.
Troopers reportedly pulled over Samantha Jo Jones, 34, in Phoenix on March 15 for driving on a suspended license. Police officials said she was with her two children, ages 2 and 4, who weren’t wearing seatbelts and were soaked in urine, according to KNXV.
The two children were allegedly covered in marker and wearing extremely soiled diapers. A bystander reportedly gave the troopers diapers, wipes, snacks, and juice for the children.
KXNV reported that trooper noticed “severe abrasions” on the 4-year-old boy’s buttocks while changing him. The trooper also changed his younger sister and reportedly noticed serious burns on her upper legs and buttocks.
Police alleged they recovered meth from a sunglasses case located in Jones’ car.
During questioning, Jones attempted to tell the trooper who took her two children that she “just wanted the children to have their meth,” according to KAFF.
The Department of Child Safety took the children to the hospital for observation. Meanwhile, Jones was taken into custody on charges of drug possession and child abuse.
[Featured image: Samantha Jones/Maricopa County Sheriffs Office]
