MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — A Marion County couple was arrested and charged with child neglect after police accused them of locking a 12-year-old in the trunk of a car while they purchased drugs.

Troopers have charged Travis Price, 32, and Nicole Holmes, 37, with child neglect creating risk of injury after an investigation into the treatment of the 12-year-old.

Last month Price and Holmes were arrested for DUI with drugs and possession of a controlled substance. That arrest occurred shortly after the 12-year-old was returned to the home after a previous Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation.

Troopers said the child told them he witnessed Price and Holmes use drugs, leading them to nod off and fall asleep. The child also reported seeing drug paraphernalia, used foils, and smoking tubes.

The child told troopers he was left in the trunk at the drug house so people driving by wouldn’t see him sitting alone in the car. The child said he was in the trunk for hours while Price and Holmes were inside using drugs.

The child told investigators, “I’ve spent more time in that car while my parents got drugs than I have in my own bedroom at home,” according to court documents.

Price and Holmes are free on bail.

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