Four people were arrested for child endangerment and drug offenses after a search warrant was executed in Bayard Thursday.
According to the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed the warrant at about 11 a.m. at the residence of 27-year-old Kelsey Kay Stringer and 24-year-old Rodney James Blackmon in the 100 block of North Street. During the search, deputies allegedly found marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Twenty-eight year-old Shawn J Gifford of Jefferson and 27-year-old Brandon John Niedowicz of Bayard were also at the home during the time of the search. Court documents show all three males appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the search.
Stringer’s three children were located at the home, while she was at work during the time of the search. A deputy spoke with a Department of Human Services employee who stated that all three males have had a history with the department with children being exposed to controlled substances. The DHS employee also noted that one of Stringer’s children recently tested positive for controlled substances, and Stringer was told by DHS that she and her kids could not live at the residence around Blackmon.
Blackmon, Gifford, and Niedowicz were each charged with gathering where controlled substances are being used, a class D felony; and knowingly keeping a premises for use of controlled substances, an aggravated misdemeanor. Blackmon is additionally charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance third offense, a class D felony. Niedowicz is also charged with possession of five grams or less of meth, a class C felony; and gathering where marijuana is used, a serious misdemeanor. Gifford is also charged with possession of a controlled substance second offense and possession of marijuana second offense, both aggravated misdemeanors; and gathering where marijuana is used, a serious misdemeanor. All four suspects are charged with three counts of child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.