On June 16th, 2012 members from the DeFuniak Springs Police arrested Chad R. Graham 31 years of age, Ginger M, Wenger 33 years of age, Tasha A. Pettit 23 years of age and John L. Graham 23 years of age on “Three (3) Counts of Child Neglect”. Police also charged Chad R. Graham for “Unlawful Possession of Listed Chemicals to Manufacture a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines) and “Possession of Methamphetamines”.
The investigation began when officers responded to 81 Bishop Pond Road to assist the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in a complaint received by their office. The complaint was that adults were producing Methamphetamines with numerous children in the residence.
When officers arrived contact was made with Chad R. Graham who invited them in. The condition of the residence was found and believed to be unfit for person(s) to be residing there. Also found inside the residence were six (6) children that were dirty and wearing badly soiled clothing. The ages of the children found in the residence ranged from 1 to 9 years of age.
Throughout the residence officers observed items in plain view that were consistent with “Manufacturing Methamphetamines. Based on the officer’s training, experience and their investigation, they were able to locate adequate evidence to conclude the investigation with drug related charges.
The children were released to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the 4 suspects were transported to Walton County Department of Corrections to answer to the listed charges.
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Special Operations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net