A Marion couple was charged after an underage child in their care tested positive for drugs.
Detective Billie Brown with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 39-year-old Bethany Taylor Hensley and 39-year-old Preston Ballew Hensley both with felony Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance. Bethany received a $75,000 secured bond while Preston was initially denied bond due to already being out on pretrial release.
On January 13, Detective Brown spoke with the Hensleys after a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services.
An investigation led to the necessity of the children in the home being tested for narcotics exposure after the parents consent.
Additionally, both Preston and Bethany were charged by Lt. Richard Pittman with felony Possession of Cocaine and felony Maintain a Vehicle, Dwelling or Place for Controlled Substance after a February incident. Bethany was issued a secured bond of $20,000, and Preston was given a $25,000 bond.
On February 4, McDowell County Drug Enforcement executed a narcotics search warrant at the Hensley’s home in Marion.
During the search, detectives located 17 grams of cocaine within the residence.
