JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Craighead County District Judge Tommy Fowler ruled on Monday that there was probable cause to charge Jayla Terryona Carter with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child after her 5-year-old child was found alone in an apartment and tested positive for drugs following medical evaluation.
On June 21, Jonesboro police responded to a report of an unattended child at Links Circle. Upon arrival, officers discovered the young child abandoned inside the apartment with access to drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and medications that could be harmful. Carter was identified as the mother through contact information found in the apartment.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services took custody of the child immediately after their discovery by police. Medical tests at a local hospital revealed that the 5-year-old had amphetamines, barbiturates, and THC present in their system, indicating exposure to dangerous substances while under Carter's care.
Carter was arrested for first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, which is classified as a Class D felony. Judge Fowler set her bond at $50,000 cash or surety and ordered no contact with the child until further legal proceedings. She will be arraigned on July 30.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about parental neglect and substance abuse affecting children's safety in Jonesboro. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of community vigilance to prevent such occurrences.