GEORGE COUNTY, Mississippi -- A George County couple is in jail after an anonymous tip led authorities to their home and they were found to be living in squalor with three young children and the father later found to be selling synthetic marijuana -- or "spice."
Deputies went to the residence of Donald and Kay Canter on Blackberry Lane about 5:30 p.m. Monday. Upon entering the residence, according to the George County Sheriff's Department, the conditions inside the home were so "deplorable" and the smell so overwhelming, the GCSD sergeant had to step outside to interview Donald Canter.
Three children were in the home, ages 5, 3 and 6 months. When Kay Canter emerged
Kay Canter
from the home holding the 6-month-old, the officer determined the baby's condition warranted contacting the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
After the DHS agent arrived, it was determined the children should be taken to George County Regional Hospital to be examined. All three children and their parents were transported to the hospital.
After the children were treated and examined, the were turned over to the custody of an extended family member.
About 10 p.m. Monday night, another tip advised the sheriff's office that Donald Canter was driving in a vehicle with a large amount of spice. Officers caught up with Canter and after pulling him over found him to be under the influence of an unknown substance.
Packs of "spice" or synthetic marijuana, found in Donald Canter's vehicle.
He gave consent to search the vehicle and officers found more than 100 packs of spice, with a street value of about $2,000, in the trunk of the vehicle.
Donald Canter was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, DUI/Other, Driving with Suspended License, No tag, and No Insurance.
LaterMonday, both Donald and Kay Canter were charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Both are incarcerated in George County Regional Jail awaiting their initial court appearance.
On Tuesday, they were additionally charged with misdemeanor Child Neglect, but GCSD officials indicated that charge will likely be upgraded to a felony.