Police arrest three after 9-year-old found locked in dog kennel

Police in North Carolina have arrested three people after they were accused of locking a 9-year-old in a dog kennel and physically abusing the child.

In a statement, Sheriff Richie Simmons said, “I’ve been in law enforcement for 36 years. This is the first time I’ve seen something quite this significant to be honest with you.”

A grim discovery:
According to police, “on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at approximately 6:50 a.m. the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office received a call directly from a citizen. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous reported that a juvenile child, approximately 9-10 years of age, was locked in a dog kennel overnight at 160 Cress Rd, Lexington, NC 27272. Deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the residence and confirmed this report and located a 9-year-old child locked in a dog kennel, which was secured with a padlock. Deputies forced entry into the dog kennel and rushed the child to EMS personnel who arrived on the scene to assist. Due to the exigent circumstances Deputies then forced entry into the residence. Inside Deputies located one adult female, later identified as Sarah Starr, and two other children inside the residence.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene and contacted Davidson County Social Services who also responded to the scene. The residence was secured and a search warrant was obtained and executed on the property. During this search representatives of the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office traveled to the scene to view the conditions of the residence. Following an extensive investigation Detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jonathan Star and Sarah Star for Felony Child Abuse, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, and False Imprisonment. Detectives also later arrested Shelly Barnes for Felony Child Abuse, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, False Imprisonment, Possession of Firearm by Felon, and Maintaining a Dwelling Place for Controlled Substances. Jonathan Starr, Sarah Starr, and Shelley Barnes were transported to the Davidson County Magistrate’s Office where they were formally charged. Jonathan and Sarah Star were both placed under a $30,000 secured bond. Shelley Barnes was placed under a $60,000 secured bond. All three are scheduled to appear in district court in Lexington on November 10th, 2022, and were released to the custody of the Davidson County Jail without incident.

The 9-year-old child was transported to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem for evaluation and was later released on the same date. Davidson County Social Services has taken protective custody of all three children found at the residence, and two other children who live at the residence who were found safe at school. Although arrests have been made in this incident, this is an ongoing and active investigation.”

Following an investigation, Jonathan Starr, 32, and Sarah Starr were arrested and charged with felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse and false imprisonment. They were both placed under a $30,000 bond.

Later, Shelly Barnes, 56, was arrested in this incident and charged with the following: