Florida couple ‘found in mobile home with crystal meth’ accused of abandoning their three young children in woods
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A couple in Florida have been accused of child neglect for reportedly abandoning their three children in woodland after police found their mobile home was “filled” with burnt syringes, crystal meth and old packets of food.
Former Alabama police officer Michael Butcher, 30, and his wife Sarah were reported to officers by a security guard at their Florida RV park after they “caused a disturbance”, NBC 2 reported.
Residents called guard John Kersey after the Butchers started wandering around the park “acting strangely” and banging on other people’s doors.
Mr Kersey said he asked the couple to leave, but they said they had lost the keys to their pick-up truck. “He was high,” Mr Kersey said. “He was on something, that's for sure.”
The guard called the police, and the couple were arrested by police for loitering, according to FOX 4 News. During a search of their mobile home and of Mr Butcher, police said they found bags containing crystal meth and various items related to substance abuse.
According to ABC News, the police report said the children had been walking in the woods for miles and were “very dirty, hungry, and cold”.
They said their parents had driven them to a wooded area where they often went camping. While they played in the woods, their parents drove off in their truck, leaving only Michael’s shoes, police said.
Officers said the children were sent to Florida’s Department of Children and Families, and Mr and Ms Butcher detained without bail.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments