Detectives with the Benton Police Department were contacted by state police on 12/5/14 in regards to possible child abuse. Working with state police investigators they made contact with two individuals in relation to the case, identified as James McCauley (38 YOA) and Christie Smith-McCauley (34 YOA) both of Benton.
During the course of the investigation, detectives obtained information that suggested possible illegal narcotics had been used around children in the McCauley’s home. A positive hair follicle test indicated that a child had been exposed to Methamphetamine recently. Further investigation discovered another child was also in close proximity when illegal narcotics had been ingested. Based on this information and other evidence gathered, both suspects were taking into custody on 1/19/15.
Both McCauley’s were transported to the Saline County Detention Facility for processing without incident. They are both charged with 2 counts of Introduction of a Chemical Substance Into the Body of Another and 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. This is an on-gong investigation and additional charges could be forthcoming.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us an anonymous crime tip about this incident to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
Any suspects listed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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