Parents in St. Charles County are behind bars after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as extreme neglect, physical abuse and dangerous living conditions inside their home. According to probable cause statements from the St. Charles County Police Department, Amberly K. Britton and her partner, Mark A. Myers, were charged following a months-long investigation triggered by concerns from the Missouri Children’s Division.
During repeated visits, DCFS investigators found Britton and Myers “evasive, impaired, or unresponsive,” and said both adults claimed they were unable to take drug tests. Inside the home, agents consistently reported the smell of urine, no bedding on mattresses and conditions that made it difficult for the children to live safely.
“I would say this is definitely one of the worst cases that I have investigated. That our team has investigated. Just the level and extent of the neglect and the psychological factors that they put on these children,” said Det. Sgt. Brian Adelsberger told First Alert 4.
Police said the home was filthy, lacked heat, and was ultimately deemed uninhabitable by St. Charles County Code Enforcement. Despite repeated interventions, Britton and Myers made no effort to improve the environment, and the children were eventually removed for their safety.
Investigators discovered padlocks on the children’s bedroom doors, used to keep them confined — even overnight. Windows were screwed shut, and locks were installed on food cabinets to tightly control when and what the children were allowed to eat. One child experienced severe hunger pains that caused vomiting, and she was then punished for being sick.
The investigation formally began on Aug. 18 when one child arrived at school with a deep laceration requiring medical attention. Britton and Myers did not show up and failed to seek treatment for the injury.
Two of the three children told police they were regularly beaten with belts, paddles, and other objects. They reported being dragged by the neck and strangled. Police said the children were instructed to hide their bruises and remain silent about what happened in the home.
During a search, officers found large quantities of methamphetamine and smoking paraphernalia inside a bedroom and an outdoor shed. When questioned, Myers insisted the children were lying and blamed them for any abuse or neglect.
Myers has a criminal history including convictions for second-degree statutory rape, failing to register as a sex offender, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He is also facing another open charge for failing to register as a sex offender.
Britton has multiple active warrants for possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license. She has prior convictions for five counts of endangering the welfare of a child and driving with a revoked license. Police said she also blamed the children and showed no remorse. Investigators noted Britton recently received an inheritance but found no evidence that any of the money was spent on the children.
The St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged both Britton and Myers with second-degree drug trafficking and three counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. They are each being held on $250,000 cash-only bonds. Court dates have not yet been listed in online records.
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