2 Women Facing Drug Charges After Arrest At Squalid Worcester Home Released On Bail
WORCESTER (CBS/AP) — Two women police say were raising children in a squalid Worcester apartment have pleaded not guilty to drug charges.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that 24-year-old Sheyla Montalvo and 29-year-old Natasha Riley-Murphy were granted bail at their arraignment Monday in Worcester County District Court.
Montalvo has been charged with trafficking a Class B substance, drug violation within 100 feet of a park and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act.
Riley-Murphy is also facing the same charges, as well as charges of possession of a Class B substance and possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute, second or subsequent offense.
Police executing a drug-related search warrant on Friday discovered the children, ages 6, 5 and 3. Officers say the apartment was infested with mice, its floors were covered in animal feces and a cat was carrying a live mouse in its mouth.
Police say they found 99 oxycodone pills and other drugs. They also recovered more than $3,300 in cash.
The oldest children are Montalvo's and are in state custody. The 3-year-old child was returned to a relative.
Friends and family members say the suspects are married and keep their home "immaculate," blaming police for the mess.
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