Parents arrested on drug, endangerment charges

Joshua Daniel Moore and Toni Marie Moore

A husband and wife staying in a local motel was arrested last week after authorities said they discovered meth in the room they were sharing with their three children.

Joshua Daniel Moore, 24, Winston 3454, Haleyville, was arrested on charges of first-degree manufacturing a controlled substance, drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Toni Marie Moore, 30, of the same address, was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said the arrests were made this past Thursday by investigators with the Franklin County Drug Unit.

According to Hargett, investigators were called in to assist the Franklin County Department of Human Resources with a routine welfare check of the three children who were staying with the Moores at the local motel.

Hargett said during the check, investigators found evidence of drug use and the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Hargett said it appeared the couple had been smoking meth in the presence of their three children, all under the age of 10.

Investigators said they also discovered an active meth lab in a wooded area near the motel.

Hargett said the three children were placed in the custody of DHR following their parents’ arrest.

Both Joshua and Toni Moore remain in custody at the Franklin County Jail.