OWINGSVILLE, Ky. — A Bath County child abuse investigation first reported by The Morehead Minute in June has revealed additional allegations after Kentucky State Police released new details about the case.
Shane Dufresne, 32, and Angel Dufresne, 27, both of Owingsville, remain charged with First-Degree Criminal Abuse involving a child age 12 or younger. As previously reported by The Morehead Minute, the pair were arrested on June 25 by the Kentucky State Police and booked into the Rowan County Detention Center. The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
According to Kentucky State Police, troopers were initially dispatched to the residence on June 18 after receiving a complaint alleging abuse or neglect.
Investigators say they encountered two adults who appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. During the investigation, troopers allegedly found a 2-year-old child living in a playpen and later determined that a 4-year-old child tested positive for methamphetamine.
The two children were removed from the home.
The investigation also uncovered concerns involving animals on the property. State police reported finding the skeletal remains of a dog outside near a tree.
Animal rescuers who later assisted at the residence said they removed numerous animals from the property, including nine dogs, five cats, and several chickens. Volunteers involved in the rescue effort described the conditions as difficult and said finding placement for the animals proved challenging because Bath County does not have an animal shelter and neighboring facilities were already at or near capacity.
Kentucky State Police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or developments have not been announced.
The Morehead Minute will continue following this case as it proceeds through the court system.
Previous Coverage
When The Morehead Minute first reported the arrests in June, only the booking information released by the Rowan County Detention Center was publicly available. The newly released information from Kentucky State Police provides the first official details regarding the allegations that led to the criminal abuse charges.
Important Disclaimer
The allegations summarized in this article are based on information released by Kentucky State Police as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Criminal charges are accusations only. Shane Dufresne and Angel Dufresne are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains active, and additional information may become available as the case moves through the judicial process.