A Tennessee mother allegedly left her four young children—including three under the age of 8—alone in an unsanitary and unsafe home for an entire weekend without checking on them, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. Thea Chyanne Sorrell, 33, was arrested after deputies discovered the children abandoned in the 500 block of Bancroft Chapel Road in Kingsport, where they reportedly had not seen or heard from their mother since Friday.
Background
Deputies responded to the residence around 9 a.m. Sunday following a report that children were left unattended. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the four children alone inside the home. Officials described the interior conditions as unsanitary and unsafe, noting that a dog in the home also lacked adequate access to food or water. The Sullivan County Animal Control and the Department of Children's Services joined the investigation to assist with the welfare of the minors and the animal.
Later on Sunday, a pickup truck arrived at the home with Sorrell as a passenger. Deputies identified the driver as Matthew Brown, 37, of Elizabethton, a town located approximately 30 miles from the Kingsport residence. Brown was arrested at the scene following a search of the vehicle and his person.
The Charges
Sorrell faces three counts of child abuse or neglect of a child under 8, along with misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty and child endangerment. Brown faces a slew of drug and weapons-related charges. According to the sheriff's office press release, deputies found what they believed to be methamphetamine in Brown's pocket. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered heroin, several baggies of methamphetamine, four loaded handguns (one of which was reported stolen), a bag containing nearly 20 prescription pills, 18.5 grams of marijuana, mushrooms, and $5,000 in cash. Brass knuckles and an ax were also allegedly recovered from the scene.
Key Takeaways
- Thea Chyanne Sorrell, 33, allegedly left four children alone from Friday to Sunday without contact.
- Three of the children were under the age of 8.
- The home was described as unsanitary and unsafe, with a dog lacking food and water.
- Matthew Brown, 37, was arrested with drugs, cash, and multiple weapons in his vehicle.
- Sorrell is held on a $50,000 bond; Brown's bond is set at $100,000.
What's Next
Both Sorrell and Brown remained in the Sullivan County Jail as of Tuesday. Their court date is scheduled for Thursday, where they will face formal arraignment on the charges filed by the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office.