A southern Bartholomew County man who was in possession of weapons and drugs while driving under the influence of a controlled substance is now accused of endangering the life of the child who was in his custody.
Joshua Janes, 32, of 4303 Roosevelt St., was charged with neglect of a dependent as a Level 6 felony, according to court documents filed Wednesday.
Evidence indicates Janes, who resides near Walesboro, had been driving and smoking marijuana when his truck was pulled over Dec. 8 near the intersection of Seventh and North Cherry streets, according to a probable-cause affidavit filed by a Columbus patrolman.
A three-year-old female child was in a child safety seat in the back of the truck at the time, according to the affidavit. There was also an adult male in the front seat.
The toddler had the odor of burnt marijuana on her clothing, which indicates the drug was smoked in the vehicle while the little girl was present, the affidavit said.
A search turned up three handguns in the truck, including two loaded weapons found under the front seats, the affidavit stated.
An unloaded AR-15 assault rifle, as well as a fully-loaded clip, were found on the rear floorboard near the child, it said.
In addition, cut straws often used for inhaling illegal narcotics were discovered during the search.
The charge filed against Janes carries up to a 30-month sentence, as well as fines of up to $10,000.
No court dates have yet been filed in the case that will be heard by Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin.
