A Hot Springs couple were arrested Tuesday when deputies allegedly found drugs within reach of their three children.
Stevy and Kristofer Burton, both 31, were each charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, all misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail. Stevy Burton was later released on bonds totaling $5,000 and Kristofer Burton remained in custody Wednesday in lieu of bonds totaling $5,000. They are due in Garland County District Court March 17.
Shortly before 10:30 p.m., Deputy Bennie Strickland and Cpl. Josh Cannon were dispatched to 107B Geronimo St. in reference to a possible disturbance. When Cannon knocked on the door, a female child opened it and stated she called 911 because her parents were arguing and her father was bleeding. Cannon observed two other children in the floor. One was lying with an adult female identified as Stevy Burton, who was passed out.
When Stevy Burton woke up, she asked Cannon why he was there and who let him in. Cannon saw a male, identified as Kristofer Burton, passed out on a bed in the living room. Kristofer Burton had scratches and blood on his neck, and his right eye was bruised and swollen shut. Cannon noticed Kristofer and Stevy Burton were intoxicated, and Stevy Burton stated they had consumed a pint of liquor each.
Kristofer Burton then woke up and stated, "Get the f - - - out of my house. I know how to run my s - - -." He was placed into custody and according to the affidavit, Cannon noticed the house was in complete disarray with suspected marijuana on the kitchen counter and bottles of prescription medicine within reach of the children.
One of the children told Cannon they were all sleeping in the floor because their beds, stuffed animals and other belongings were full of bedbugs. Arkansas Department of Health Investigator Whitney Freeman was called to the scene and tested Stevy Burton for drugs. Freeman advised she was taking the two youngest children into foster care and the oldest would go with her father. Stevy Burton was placed into custody due to the living conditions and drugs out in the open.
Local on 03/05/2015