Arraignment set for Scott City couple accused of child endangerment

A Scott City couple who are accused of repeatedly locking their two children outside their home for hours while they were at work without proper food and water will appear before Judge David Dolan for an arraignment Aug. 11 at the Scott County Courthouse.

Kevin E. Sparks, 36, and Melissa L. Sparks, 40, were charged with 10 counts of first-degree child endangerment on June 24. Melissa Sparks is also charged with two counts of child abuse.

A June 27 news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Department said a person reported the situation to the Division of Child Services and upon arrival of deputies at the residence, two children, ages 10 and 13, were found alone outside the residence with no food, water only from a spigot and no restroom. The release also said that according to Sheriff Rick Walter, one of the children had marks on the lower back and legs that appeared to be from abuse.

According to the Scott County prosecuting attorney's office, the couple appeared before a grand jury earlier this month.

Pertinent address:

County Road 210, Scott City, MO