Child found in cage now safe with DCS Over 600 animals rescued from squalid conditions

Law Enforcement officials in Henry County had a shocking discovery Thursday afternoon (June 25) during an
ongoing investigation into a report of severe animal abuse. A small child, only one and a half years old, was rescued
by authorities after being found living in a cage on property in northern Henry County. The child was promptly
removed from the premises and has been placed in the care of the Department of Children’s Services.
“Cruelty to children and animals are some of the worst crimes we see,” states D.A. Matthew Stowe. “We treasure
our children and will continue to investigate this and any other allegation of child abuse extremely closely.
Likewise, animal cruelty will be treated very seriously in the 24 th Judicial District.”
Arrested are Heather Scarborough (42), T.J. Brown (46) and Charles Brown (82) all of whom were living at the
location. The three adults have been arrested with multiple charges of Aggravated Child Abuse – a class A felony,
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of A Felony, Manufacturing of
Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Cruelty to Animals. T.J. Brown is also charged with Possession
of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. All three are being held on a $300,000 bond each and will appear in Henry
County General Sessions Court on June 30.
Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew announced details of the raid during a press conference in Paris this morning
stating authorities have removed 86 chickens and roosters, 56 dogs, 10 rabbits, 4 parakeets, 3 cats, 8 snakes, 1
pheasant, 1 gecko, 3 sugar gliders, and 531 mice, rats and hamsters. In addition to the animals, deputies found 17
guns. Additionally, 127 marijuana plants were removed from the scene.
“I think this case serves as an important reminder that you just really never know what may be going on in the
house next door,” states DA Matthew Stowe. “We urge citizens to help us identify cases like this. If you see
something involving children or animals that causes you concern, pick up the phone and report it to law
enforcement. You never know, you just might save a life.”
ADA Rebecca Griffey will be the prosecuting attorney on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney General.