Child neglect charges have been dropped against parents accused of being stoned on meth and not caring for their 1-month-old.

The parents, Sarah H. Hale and James N. Hale, both had child neglect charges dropped this week during their appearance before General Sessions Judge Bill Locke. Mr. Hale, who was also charged with domestic assault for allegedly abusing his wife, was placed in the second-chance program, meaning the charges will be dropped at the end of 90 days if he abides by the orders of the court.

They were arrested as police were responding to an assault call. Upon arrival, policeman Justin Cowell was told Ms. Caldwell had recently used methamphetamine. “She still appeared to be under the influence,” the officer reported, noting she told him that she and her husband had gotten into an argument and began pushing each other. “She said she jumped out of a second-story window and walked to a relative’s house.”
The mother said she left the baby at the residence on Winding Way where the fight occurred. The officer went to the residence where he found Mr. Hale.

“He admitted he had been taking meth,” the officer revealed, adding he too seemed to still be under the influence. “He was unsure of how he was left in possession of the child and was unsure of the last time the child ate.”