A Missouri couple is facing serious legal consequences after allegedly abandoning their young child at the Livingston County Courthouse without clothing, food, or basic care, according to court documents filed Wednesday. Jeremy Lamp, 36, and Jessica Lamp, 31, have each been charged with child neglect following an incident that occurred on Tuesday during a mandatory drug screening at the courthouse in Chillicothe.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Chillicothe Police Department, the couple arrived at the courthouse with their child in tow. A Children’s Division representative was also present during the visit and later reported that while Jeremy Lamp’s drug screening returned negative results, Jessica Lamp’s test was positive for methamphetamine.
Following protocol, authorities presented the parents with three options: Jessica could temporarily leave the home, Jeremy and the child could stay elsewhere, or the child could be placed with a relative for care. However, according to law enforcement, the Lamps refused all options and instead chose to abandon their child at the courthouse. The child was reportedly left without food, clothes, or any essential infant care items.
Authorities later located the couple at Hedrick Medical Center and took them into custody. During an interview with police, Jeremy Lamp reportedly said, “They were gonna take him anyway,” when asked why he left the child. Jessica Lamp, when questioned, was reportedly unable to provide any explanation for her actions.
Investigators noted that both parents displayed no remorse for abandoning their child. Additionally, both have prior criminal records that raise further concern. Jeremy Lamp has previously been charged with assault, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jessica Lamp has a prior conviction for child endangerment.
The child has since been taken into protective custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released the child’s age or current condition, but confirmed that the case has been referred to child protective services. Under Missouri state law, a conviction for child neglect carries a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison for each parent.
A bond hearing for Jeremy and Jessica Lamp is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on July 21. The outcome could determine whether the couple remains in custody as they await further legal proceedings. The case has sparked outrage in the community and renewed calls for greater oversight of at-risk families.