Warrant Search Discovers “Meth Den” Baby
April 5 – Santa Barbara
A diaper-clad infant boy was discovered in a crude makeshift shelter in the rear yard of a Westside Santa Barbara residence on April 4th, pursuant to the execution of a search warrant targeting Jorge Desales, 33, who is sought on charges of grand theft auto and credit card theft.
Jorge Desales is still at large and sought by Santa Barbara Police
According to Santa Barbara Police Department Public Information Officer Riley Harwood, the child was found inside a tarped-in structure containing a mattress, surrounded by “meth pipes and drug paraphernalia”. SBPD detectives had entered the home of Desales’ family, and were led to the back yard of the house by the sounds of a crying baby.
Once in the back yard, detectives discovered Amanda Rose Powers, 26, who appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine, and had spent the prior night with the child in the outdoor shelter. “She appeared to be in need of medical attention wand was delusional,” Riley reported to the media.
The toddler was clad only in wet diapers, and was otherwise completely exposed to the elements, with no other clothing. There was no food present other than milk in an open carton. Santa Barbara County Child Welfare Services were summoned and subsequently removed the toddler from the premises.
Amanda Powers was taken into custody while the baby was put in protective care
Powers was arrested on the scene and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Desales was not found; Santa Barbara Police requests that anyone knowing his whereabouts contact the SBPD anonymous Tip Line at (805) 897-2410.
Photos: Courtesy Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
Read more:
Santa Barbara Independent: Baby Found in ‘Meth Den’
KCOY: Police Rescue Child From Santa Barbara Meth Den
edhat: Detectives Rescue Child from Meth Den
