NEWPORT, Wash. – The United States Marshals arrested a couple accused of giving their 3-year-old fentanyl and facing several felony charges.
According to a press release from the U.S. Marshals Service, Kelsey Rodriguez-Howatt, 30, and Kenneth Weiss, 30, were apprehended with the help of the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Border Patrol.
The Marshals said the couple had previously administered fentanyl to one of their children. In total, Rodriguez-Howatt and Weiss have custody of four minor children, ages 3, 3, 7, and 8. The U.S. Marshals Service said they worked closely with Child and Family Services to ensure the children’s safety and well-being.
“The allegations contained in the arrest warrants for these defendants are especially egregious because of the endangerment of minor children. It is simply unacceptable to risk the life and health of innocent children due to illegal drug activity. These defendants will now face justice in a court of law,” said Craig Thayer, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington.
Rodriguez-Howatt and Weiss were arrested on felony warrants for third-degree assault of a child, delivery of a schedule IV controlled substance, and tampering with a witness.