NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A North Platte couple have been arrested on allegations of child abuse, drug possession and animal cruelty.
According to North Platte police, on July 5, 2020, at 9:29 p.m., Officers responded to a welfare check of a child in the 1500 Block of South Jeffers Street.
Upon arrival, Officers made contact with 34-year-old Dustin Marble and 29-year-old Chanel Sterling, as well as a juvenile child.
Police say officers detected an odor of marijuana coming from the room and were allowed inside. Officers observed that the conditions of the room were "deplorable with trash and dirty diapers all over."
Police say officers were allowed to look around the room and observed drug paraphernalia in plain view.
With the help of Nebraska State Probation, a search was conducted of the room. During the search, Officers located suspected methamphetamine, prescription pills which were controlled substances, marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Most of the items were located where a juvenile could easily access and gain control of these items.
A statement from police says officers also located a small dog hiding under the bed. The dog appeared to have been poorly cared for and was very dirty with matted fur. The dog had no access to food or water and had been using the room floor as a bathroom.
Police say officers also located an Ipad that had been reported stolen previously.
Officers determined there was probable cause to arrest Marble and Sterling on suspicion of child abuse, possession of a controlled substance, exposing a child to methamphetamine, animal cruelty, receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Marble and Sterling were incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center. The juvenile child was placed into protective custody with HHS.
The dog was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment and observation.