By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Following a lengthy preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon in Henry County General Sessions Court, the cases involving three family members accused of keeping their toddler in a cage, large-scale animal abuse, drugs and firearms charges were bound over to the next grand jury.
The toddler’s mother, Heather Scarbrough, age 42, is charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, manufacture of marijuana, aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals and drug paraphernalia possession. A charge of possession of a firearm was dismissed at Thursday’s hearing.
Thomas J. Brown, age 46, is charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, manufacture of marijuana, firearm possession during commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals and drug paraphernalia.
Charles Brown, age 82, waived his right to a preliminary hearing and his charges were automatically bound over to the grand jury. He is charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, manufacturing marijuana, possession of a firearm, aggravated cruelty to animals, cruelty to animals and drug paraphernalia.
Judge Vicki Snyder presided over Thursday’s hearing. Scarbrough was represented by Public Defender Jeff Fagan. Thomas J. Brown was represented by Stewart Co. Attorney Will Riggins. Charles Brown was represented by Paris Attorney Hansel McCadams.
The grand jury meets Nov. 2.
In June, former Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew and deputies discovered the boy being kept in a cage and hundreds of animals of a wide variety being kept inside and outisde the home. The animals includes dogs, cats, snakes, mice, rats, chickens and assorted other animals. Over 127 marijuana plants also were found.
Belew said at the time that deputies were alerted to reports of animal abuse on the property and in the process of checking out those reports, discovered the boy in the cage, as well as the large-scale animal abuse.
Henry County Sheriff Investigator Scott Wyerick and Crime Scene Technician Danny Tucker were among those testifying Thursday and they spoke of the overall condition of the home and property.
Scarbrough and Thomas J. Brown are being held in the Henry County Jail without bond. Charles Brown has been released from jail.