A La Monte man has charged with a felony for alleged child endangerment involving drugs after a traffic stop last month in Pettis County.
A probable-cause statement says on June 23, a Pettis County deputy was on patrol when a vehicle passed his location and a strong odor of marijuana was noticed to be emanating from the vehicle in La Monte.
During the traffic stop, the deputy spoke with the driver, 20-year-old Hector Castro, who was noticed to be visibly intoxicated and reportedly had trouble focusing on the deputy’s questions. A search of the vehicle reportedly found an empty alcohol can and a small amount of marijuana. Castro reportedly told the deputy he couldn’t remember when he consumed the alcoholic beverage, but said he shared a “blunt” with the 15-year-old passenger just before the traffic stop.
Online court documents said Castro has been charged with a Class D Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child Involving Drugs in the First Degree, and misdemeanors for a DWI and marijuana possession. Bond has not been set.
Castro’s initial hearing at Pettis County Circuit Court is pending.