newsworthy story

Crimes against children are newsworthy because it brings attention to the matter making citizens more vigilant. There is no crime greater than a crime against a child by a PARENT!! My son was a victim of a crime and the perpetrator, his mother, was arrested and charged with child endangerment (multiple counts). The arraignment is Monday September 13th in Newton County in Judge Stremmel’s courtroom. The case number is 04NW-CR01829. The summarized facts of the case is that Barbara Johnson of 901 N. Summit in Neosho on 08/20/04 awoke at 6am that morning with five children in the home age 1 1/2 to 10. At 6:40am Ms. Johnson, the only adult in the home, left for work leaving ALL the children without supervision. The three school age children, age 7 to 10, fed themselves, dressed themselves and got on a bus to school. The remaining two children ages 1 1/2 to 3 were left unattended from 6:40am to 3:30pm. The were discovered by neighbors partially clothed and locked out of the residence at 3:30pm. Those two children were taken into protective custody by DFS. On 08/26/04 the mother was arrested following a hearing for a child protective order and the remaining children were taken into protective custody. On 09/02/04 the 7 year old was placed with his biological father, Thomas Norsworthy, and the 9 and 10 year old was placed with the 10 year old’s paternal grandmother, Jackie Clark of Neosho. The two youngest children remain in foster care. I beleive this to be newsworthy because according to DFS, many parent leave children without proper supervision and place them in jeopardy and thereby commiting a crime. Most if not all offending parents are not aware or believe they have done anything wrong. Your coverage of this event will help to educate the public and PROTECT CHILDREN. PLEASE PROTECT MY ANONYMITY AND DO NOT REVEAL MY NAME AS THE PERSON REPORTING THIS EVENT. You may use my name as it relates to the reporting of pertinent facts. All information can be verified thru Neosho Police Report # 0408-197 and Newton County Criminal Complaint 04NW-CR01829 which can be viewed on casenet.com. If you have any questions you may call me at 417-781-0146 home 291-2112 cell or email me at [email protected]