Scott City parents accused of locking kids out of house plead not guilty

A Scott City couple pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges they repeatedly locked their two children outside their home for hours without proper food and water while they were at work.

Kevin E. Sparks, 36, and Melissa L. Sparks, 40, appeared separately Thursday before Judge David Dolan at the Scott County Courthouse.

Both were charged with 10 counts of first-degree child endangerment June 24. Melissa Sparks is also charged with two counts of child abuse.

Melissa Sparks appeared Thursday morning with attorney Blake Pearson of Sikeston, Mo., waiving a formal arraignment and entering a plea of not guilty. Her next court date is at 9 a.m. Sept. 8.

Kevin Sparks appeared Thursday afternoon with attorney Pat McMenamin of Cape Girardeau. He also waived a formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty. His case was reassigned to Judge Scott Horman, but a future court date has not yet been set.

Authorities say sheriff's deputies visiting the residence after a call was made to the Division of Family Services found two children, ages 10 and 13, alone outside the residence with no food, water only from a spigot and no restroom, according to a news release. One of the children had marks on the lower back and legs that appeared to be from abuse, Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said in the release.

Pertinent address:

County Road 210, Scott City, MO