Chillicothe, MO — A Missouri couple is facing child neglect charges after allegedly abandoning their young son at a local courthouse following a drug screening, according to police.
The parents, Jeremy Lamp, 36, and Jessica Lamp, 31, left their son “without remorse” after Jessica tested positive for methamphetamine, police say.
The couple reportedly told authorities, “They were gonna take him anyway,” referring to the state’s plan to remove the child due to the mother’s drug use.
Abandonment at the Courthouse
The incident occurred at the Livingston County Courthouse in Chillicothe, where the couple had been attending a drug screening with the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) and its Children’s Division.
The probable cause statements filed in circuit court detail that Jeremy’s drug test came back clear, but Jessica’s mouth swab test was positive for methamphetamine.
The DSS investigator reportedly explained to the couple that, due to the positive drug test, they would need to implement a safety plan for the child. However, Jeremy reportedly denied the safety options suggested, including having Jessica stay outside the house or having the child stay with a relative.
The investigator said that because of the positive test, she could not leave the child with the parents, but they allegedly chose to leave the courthouse without the child anyway.
The Parents’ Explanation
After abandoning their son at the courthouse, officers later located the couple at a nearby medical center. During questioning, Jeremy allegedly told police that none of the safety options presented to him were viable and that he believed the child would be taken by the state.
“The way I looked at it was that, they were gonna take him anyway,” Jeremy reportedly told officers.
Legal Consequences
Both Jeremy and Jessica Lamp were arrested and taken into custody. They have been charged with child neglect for allegedly leaving their son stranded without “any clothes, food, or other infant care.” Both parents have prior convictions, including assault and driving while intoxicated charges for Jeremy, and child endangerment for Jessica.
The couple is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for a bond hearing. The child has since been placed in the care of the Missouri Department of Social Services.
