Couple arrested for ditching kids for casino

A couple has been arrested and charged with felony child deprivation after they left their children at a local motel while visiting the casinos, the authorities said.

Marcus Allen Jones, 39, 16th Street, Meridian, and Amy Lorraine McCoy, 31, Joe Orr Road, Chicago, Ill., were arrested on felony charges of child deprivation of necessaries with substantial harm.

“More charges are likely as the investigation is still ongoing,” Philadelphia Police Chief Eric Lyons said.

On Friday, June 30, at about 11 p.m. Philadelphia police responded to the Super Inn and Suites on Highway 16 west to reports of two small kids under the age of five running around unsupervised, according to Lyons. 

“Upon arrival, officers made contact with the kids and confirmed that the kids were alone,” Lyons said. 

The officers observed bruises and scars on the kids who requested food because they had not eaten in days, Lyons said. Officers were able to provide food for them. 

Information was obtained from the front desk about the couple who left the kids as well as a vehicle description. The room was also unoccupied, officials said. 

Neshoba County deputies assisted in trying to locate the parents at the casinos. Deputies located the vehicle and eventually made contact with the parents a short time later at the Silver Star Casino. 

Lyons said the parents were then transported to the motel and then to jail. Child Protective Services was called to the scene and took custody of the children. 

No bond had been set as of Monday, Lyons said, although he expected the parents to go before a judge soon. The two children remain in CPS custody.