From Law & Crime · · 1m 50s
Oregon mother charged after police find kids in fire-damaged home
Oregon mother faces child neglect charges after police discover children unable to wake her from home without electricity.
In brief
Oregon mother faces child neglect charges after police discover children unable to wake her from home without electricity. Kari Marie Bennett, 31, charged with criminal mistreatment and child neglect after police found her and two young children living in a fire-damaged home with no electricity or running water…
Kari Marie Bennett charged
Kari Marie Bennett, 31, charged with two felony counts of criminal mistreatment and two misdemeanor counts of child neglect.
Home in Scappoose, Oregon
Police found Bennett and her two young children living in a fire-damaged home with no electricity or running water.
DHS investigation began
Department of Human Services (DHS) investigation started in September after receiving a tip about Bennett and her children living in a dilapidated home.
DHS report findings
DHS report said Bennett slept most of the day and was not watching her children.
Home condition
The home was not structurally sound after a fire and had no electricity, running water or heat.
Police visit
Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies visited the home three days after the DHS report was issued.
Children's account
Bennett's 2-year-old son answered the door wearing pajamas and a sagging diaper.
Daughter's statement
Bennett's 4-year-old daughter told police she could not wake her mother up.
Police wake Bennett
Police eventually were able to wake Bennett who explained she was homeless and trying to get a restraining order against her boyfriend.
Children hospitalized
Both children were taken to the hospital on September 30 and tested positive for methamphetamine.
Bennett released
Bennett was arrested and released with conditions including no contact with children without authorities present.
Court date
Bennett is due to appear in court on November 23, 2.000.
The one thing
Kari Marie Bennett, 31, charged with criminal mistreatment and child neglect after police found her and two young children living in a fire-damaged home with no electricity or running water.
