Two arrested, charged in abuse of one year old and three year old

POMEROY, Ohio – Two people have been arrested and charged in an alleged child abuse case involving a year old and a three year old.

According to Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch, agents with the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force and caseworkers with the Meigs County Children’s Serivces responded to the Holzer-Meigs Emergency Department concerning “severe bruising on two juvenile children” on March 28. Agents were made aware of an alleged incident occurring in Middleport earlier that evening.

Agents conducted multiple interviews leading to the arrest of two people. The mother of the children, Missouri Brown, and her boyfriend, Caleb Shuler, were arrested. Both have been charged with Endangering Children, a felony of the third degree.

The children, a one year old and a three old, were treated at the facility and placed with family members.

According to Sheriff Fitch, agents confirmed the questionable bruising had been occurring for serval months on a consistent basis. Agents gathered information that the mother confirmed the suspected allegations and was aware of the abuse for several months. Brown admitted to concealing the children’s bruising from others. Information was gathered that similar incidents had occurred over the past several months.

Shuler was located in Middleport in the evening hours of March 28. Shuler was transported to the Middleport Jail where he was interviewed and charges were filed.

This case remains open pending further investigation and additional charges.

“I want to commend the work of the Major Crimes Task Force, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, the Middleport Police Department, and Meigs County Child Protective Services for a job well done on this investigation,” said Sheriff Fitch. “Child abuse and neglect investigations are always of upmost importance in Meigs County. It’s impressive to see such a great team effort from these agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.”

“If you are aware of any information relating to child abuse or neglect occurring in Meigs County please contact our tip line at (740) 992-4682 or Meigs County Child Protective Services at (740) 992-2117 and follow the prompts,” Sheriff Fitch said.