KINGMAN – Bullhead City parents napping off a fentanyl buzz with their three children in their vehicle made separate Friday morning appearances in Mohave County Superior Court in Kingman.
There was no dispute that 33-year-old Melissa Richman and 49-year-old Shawn Martin were unresponsive when officers approached their vehicle stopped in a commercial parking lot in the 2300 block of Miracle Mile Road at 10:40 p.m. on Sept. 26.
During Friday hearings about 90 minutes apart it was noted that officers had to tap a flashlight to the vehicle to stir the nodding parents whose 3-, 6- and 9-year-old children were positioned in the back seat. After spotting a “tooter” straw and burnt foil in plain view, a search of the vehicle prompted officer confiscation of about two grams of cocaine.
Both parents are convicted of child abuse through separate plea agreements under the theory that proximity provided opportunity for the kids to gain access to the drugs, though they didn’t. It was also noted that at least two of the three children tested positive for an illegal substance in their system for being present when their parents smoked drugs.
Richman was placed on probation for three years and released from custody after spending 58 days in jail.
A Dec. 23 sentencing hearing is scheduled for Martin. Terms of his deal require imposition of probation and up to one year in the county jail.
Martin has also agreed to enroll and complete an intensive two-year residential treatment program.
Dave Hawkins
