An Owensboro man has been arrested on multiple unlawful imprisonment and child endangerment and abuse charges after his two young children were found locked in a basement, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. He is also facing multiple drug-related charges.
Austin M. Fuqua, 31, is charged with two counts each of wanton endangerment 1st degree, endangering the welfare of a minor, unlawful imprisonment 1st degree, criminal abuse 2nd degree — child 12 or under; as well as one count each of possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.
According to a DCSO report, at approximately 5:39 a.m. Saturday deputies responded to the 4900 block of Cambridge Drive in reference to a welfare check, which resulted in Fuqua’s arrest.
Deputies were advised by dispatch to conduct a welfare check on Fuqua and his two children, ages 2 and 3. Upon arrival, deputies observed extremely poor living conditions and noticed the children had very poor hygiene, according to the report.
Deputies noted that the children were locked in a basement and had no way to exit the basement due to the door being locked from the outside. The children were located downstairs around numerous potentially dangerous items with no parental supervision.
According to the report, deputies also observed suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, and various drug paraphernalia items in plain view.
Fuqua was arrested and lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.
