A mother from Chandler was taken into custody on Monday for alleged child abuse, as her 2-year-old child was found to have tested positive for methamphetamines, according to Chandler police.
Based on court records, police officers responded to a residence near Erie Street and Hartford Street on Monday morning around 10 a.m. This was in response to a welfare check request from the Department of Child Safety regarding a two-year-old child in the home.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the boy’s mother, Argelena Deel, who informed them that the child they were searching for was in the care of a relative from his father’s side of the family, according to records. During their search of the residence, authorities discovered the child in a bedroom, lying face down on the bed, dressed in just a diaper and wrapped in blankets, according to records.
Based on court documents, the child was breathing but did not respond to first responders. According to documents, he was transported to a hospital where a toxicology screen revealed the presence of methamphetamine in his system.
During the search of the residence, law enforcement discovered drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, animal waste, as well as cockroaches and other insects present throughout the premises, according to court records.
According to reports, methamphetamine was discovered in the living room, dangerously close to where the three children residing in the house had access to it. It was also found near the sleeping area of the two-year-old.
According to court documents, Deel had two teenage sons living in the house, along with her two-year-old son. According to documents, Deel was apprehended by the police on the day of the incident, and the Department of Child Services took emergency custody of all three children.
During a forensic interview, the younger teenager informed the police that Deel frequently engaged in the use of illegal drugs at the residence. Additionally, the teenagers had to assume responsibility for the toddler on multiple occasions due to Deel’s incapacitation, as stated in the documents.
Based on court records, Deel confessed during a police interview that on June 11, they had used methamphetamine outside the house and had been in the presence of all three children while under its influence. According to records, she mentioned that her boyfriend is involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and stores his supply in their house.
Based on court documents, Deel admitted to being aware that her children were exposed to and in close proximity to illegal drugs. She also confessed to allowing a drug dealer to reside in her home and conduct drug-related activities.
Furthermore, she acknowledged using illegal drugs while responsible for the care of her children, and being aware of drug use in and around the house while the children were present.
Deel was taken into custody and charged with three counts of reckless child abuse on July 15.