Paris, Tenn.–Counsel has been appointed for the three defendants arrested in last week’s child and animal abuse case uncovered by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 2465 Dale Cemetery Road near Buchanan.
At Tuesday’s arraignment in Henry County General Sessions Court, legal counsel was appointed for the three: the public defender’s office appointed for Heather Scarbrough; Hansel McCadams appointed for Charles Brown; and Shon Johnson appointed for T.J. Brown.
All are being held on bonds of $300,000 each at the county jail.
Their next hearing is set for July 14.
On Thursday, Sheriff Monte Belew and deputies discovered a 1 1/2 year old boy being kept in a cage and hundreds of animals of a wide variety being kept inside and outside of the home. The boy was placed in the care of the Department of Children’s Services immediately.
Deputies and volunteers from Animal Rescue Corps and the Paris Veterinary Clinic have been caring for the animals, which included dogs, cats, snakes, mice, rats, chickens, and assorted other animals. Dozens of large marijuana plants also were found on the premises.
Deputies arrested the mother, Heather Scarbrough, age 42; the stepfather Thomas J. Brown, age 46; the step-grandfather Charles Brown, age 82, all of that address.
All are charged with aggravated child abuse, aggravated cruelty to animals, manufacturing marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia. Thomas J. Brown is also charged with felony possession of a weapon.