Sikeston woman charged with child endangerment

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston woman is charged with felony child endangerment after officers found her 15-year-old child living in what they describe as unsanitary conditions.

Sherrie Campbell, 38, was arrested Thursday after officers from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety followed up with the Missouri Children's Division on a hot line investigation involving Campbell and her daughter at a home on West Center Street, according to Lt. Jim McMillen.

The officers found what they believed to be unacceptable living conditions for the child, McMillen said in a news release.

"Reportedly the home was very cold, had little to no food, and was otherwise in an unsanitary condition," he said. "In addition, the 15-year-old daughter had serious dental issues, dating back to 2009, which had never been treated. These dental issues had obviously deteriorated to the point of severe infection and tooth decay."

Because of the alleged neglect the girl was removed from her mother's custody. The child has since been placed in a family member's home.

Campbell will be arraigned on the charge of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She posted a $15,000 bond and was released from the Scott County Jail on Friday.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.