Child neglect report leads to drug arrests

While investigating a possible child neglect case in the Tacna area, Wellton police found indications of other criminal activity, leading to the arrests of three suspects on drug-related offenses.

According to Wellton police, officers received information that a 17-year-old male was suffering from an unknown rash that required medical attention, and that his mother had allegedly refused to provide the necessary treatment.

During the investigation, Wellton police found indications of other criminal activity, which developed into an expanding criminal case.

On Monday, Wellton police and Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents served a warrant at 8826 S. Avenue 37E. Three suspects — Robert Holmes, 45, Carla Harris, 33, and Wayne Russell, 56 — were found on the property, detained and later arrested.

“The condition of the residence, being without power for several days, the general lack of basic hygiene needs being met, and the fact that no discernible foods were available were the primary reasons for additional charges being sought,” said Sgt. David Rodriguez of the Wellton Police Department.

Holmes and Harris were both charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, misconduct involving weapons and contributing to the delinquency or dependency of a minor.

Russell was charged with possession of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three suspects were booked into Yuma County Adult Detention Center. They will be arraigned Thursday morning in Wellton Justice Court before Judge Russ Jones.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.