Two people charged with child abuse have had their cases bound to the grand jury. 

Terry and Taylor Burger were arrested on Nov. 30 after a drug search warrant was executed at their residence on Petigap Road. They were charged with child abuse, possession of a firearm with intent to go armed, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

According to the warrant, McMinnville Police Department Det. Sgt. Eddie Colwell, along with other officers, conducted a search warrant on Nov. 30. During the search of the bedroom, 78 grams of methamphetamine, two sets of scales, a pipe with residue and a Ruger pistol were located. A 9-year-old child was also found at the residence. The warrant states the residence was “extremely nasty” and the child appeared to not have been bathed. 

Taylor waived her preliminary hearing and had her case bound to the grand jury. Terry had a preliminary hearing in General Sessions Court. He was represented by attorney Brandon Steg. The state was represented by District Attorney Chris Stanford. 

Colwell was the first to testify in the preliminary hearing. Stanford asked what the search of the residence revealed. 

“Approximately 78 grams of methamphetamine, a ruger pistol, bags, scales and I believe some meth pipes,” said Colwell.

Colwell was also asked about the child located at the residence. Colwell said she was very dirty. 

“There was a small girl. She appeared to be slow for her age. She had extremely matted hair with dirt all around her neck and back area. The bathroom where she would take a bath was dirty and had pots and pans and dirty dishes in the bath tub so she couldn’t take a bath. The house was really nasty,” said Colwell. 

Steg asked Colwell about the pistol located during the search. Colwell said it was located in a vehicle at the residence. 

“Do you know whose vehicle it was?” asked Steg. 

“I believe it was Mr. and Mrs. Burger’s,” said Colwell.

 “The 9-year-old child in the residence, did she have any scratches on her?” asked Steg. 

“Not that I recall,” said Colwell. 

“Did she have any bruises on her?” asked Steg. 

“I think that it was dirt. She was very dirty,” said Colwell. 

Steg asked if the child looked malnourished. Colwell said she did not. 

Judge Ryan. J. Moore concluded that the state met its burden of probable cause and bound all four counts over to the grand jury.