Police Find Children Locked In Feces-Covered Beds & Rooms During Meth Raid In Camdenton

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — Four Lake of the Ozarks residents were arrested last week on drug and child endangerment charges.

On Aug. 5, a Camden County Sheriff’s Office detective, working with the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force, executed a narcotics search at a home in Camdenton. According to court documents, three children were found locked inside bedrooms containing dried feces, urine, trash, rotting food, and dirty clothing.

The probable cause statement says the children were locked in their rooms “because they get into things.” Investigators also reported finding methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia throughout the home.

Those arrested were identified as Joshua, Maria, and Jonathan Cunningham of Camdenton, and Jaime Taylor of Climax Springs. All allegedly admitted responsibility for the children and were booked into the Camden County Jail.

The detective described the living conditions as “extremely poor,” saying the children were “living and sleeping in feces-covered beds and rooms while the adults… slept and resided in cleaner, more sanitary conditions, showing little value given to the children’s health and growth.”

Joshua and Maria Cunningham each face one count of possession of a controlled substance. They posted $10,000 bond on Aug. 8 and are scheduled for their initial appearance on Sept. 9.

Jonathan Cunningham faces one count of possession of a controlled substance and three counts of first-degree child endangerment. He was denied bond and is due back in court Aug. 12.

Jaime Taylor faces three counts of first-degree child endangerment as well. Her bond was set at $25,000, and she is also scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 12.