Neglect - 12 pitbulls, 3 children seized Sahuarita, AZ (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 28, 2006 County: Pima Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Jessica Rushing » Micah Derrick - Not Charged

Case ID: 8057 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (pit-bull) View more cases in AZ (US) Child or elder neglect Drugs or alcohol involved Login to Watch this Case

Three young children are still in the custody of child protective services after Pima County Sheriff�s Deputies say they were pulled from deplorable living conditions.

Authorities found feces and vomit throughout the Sahuarita home. At the request of CPS, detectives returned to the residence on March 28 for an inspection.

Pima County Sheriff Detective Joseph Copeland says, �There has been some improvement, and clean-up in the house.�

Twelve pit bulls were also seized from the property. Two additional pit bulls were found dead.

Jessica Rushing, age 22, was charged with two felony counts of animal cruelty neglect. Micah Derrick, 23, was charged with possession of marijuana and domestic violence.

On March 28, detectives slapped child neglect charges on the couple, but that charge is only a misdemeanor.

Detective Copeland says, �There would have to have been proof or evidence of a dangerous drug being produced or manufactured inside the residence. At this time we have not found any proof or evidence of that. So at this time it�s just going to be a misdemeanor.�

Derrick and Rushing were not home on Tuesday. Family members tell local media they will no longer talk to the media. But, in a previous interview, Derrick said, �All I want is my kids back.�

A court hearing for Derrick and Rushing is set for May 2nd. At that time, the judge and CPS will decide when, or if, the children will be allowed to return home.

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References

	KVOA - April 2, 2006
	KVOA - March 29, 2006

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