Two parents were arrested in Glenville, West Virginia, after authorities determined that their 11-month-old baby was malnourished and not being properly taken care of.
The West Virginia State Police said that Beraique Taylor and Joshua Taylor, both 21, have each been charged with child neglect creating risk of bodily injury or death and conspiracy to commit a felony, according to a press release obtained by Luxury Handbag Shopping.
The baby was removed from the couples’ home in January and an investigation led by Sgt. B.K. Smith was launched into their living situation and how they cared for the child. It is not currently clear where the baby is living after they were taken away from their parents.
Police have also not revealed why authorities first looked into the living conditions and treatment of the baby in the first place.
Once the investigation was complete, Beraique and Joshua were arrested on Saturday, February 28.
Police determined that the couple failed to provide proper nutrition for the baby, as well as proper care while the child was living in their home. However, police did not share any specific examples of the lack of care the parents allegedly didn’t give their child.
It is not currently clear if there have been reports of domestic issues between Beraique, Joshua or their child in the past.
Beraique and Joshua were both taken into custody and transported to the Central Regional Jail following their arrests. They each posted a $28,000 bond on Monday, March 2, and have since been released from jail.
It is not currently clear if Beraique or Joshua have entered pleas or retained legal representation following their arrests.
The West Virginia State Police did not have any updates to share about the case when contacted by Luxury Handbag Shopping on Wednesday, March 4.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing. A court date for Beraique or Joshua has not been publicly shared.
If Beraique and Joshua are found guilty of the child neglect creating risk of bodily injury or death charge, their sentences will be determined based on the severity of the neglect they inflicted on the child.
The charge is typically a felony in West Virginia and is punishable by one to 10 years in prison, according to the West Virginia Code. Additionally, those found guilty of the charge may be ordered to pay a fine between $1,000 and $3,000. If the neglect actually caused serious bodily injury to the victim, those convicted of the charge will be sentenced to serve between five and 15 years in prison.
Meanwhile, the conspiracy to commit a felony charge generally carries a penalty of one to five years in a state correctional facility, according to the West Virginia Code. Additionally, those found guilty of the charge may also be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
In that state of West Virginia, those found guilty of the charge are defined as “any person who willfully conspires with one or more persons to commit a felony violation.”
