In the early morning hours of Monday morning, officers of the Richmond Police Department arrested 27-year-old Sarah Callahan and 28-year-old Levi Johnson after a child under their care claimed to be abused by them.
According to an arrest citation, an 8-year-old child had traveled to a neighboring North 3rd Street apartment to request a bandage. While there, the child allegedly told the residents that a man had caused a cut on their leg. Police say the child also informed the residents that Callahan and Johnson regularly strike them.
RPD responded to the apartment complex, where they located and questioned Callahan and Johnson. When asked about the abuse reported by the child, Callahan was unable to provide a clear answer as to how the child got injured. At this time, the child reiterated that a man who was visiting the residence had caused the cut. When Callahan denied that there were any other individuals within their apartment, officers requested that anyone else who was in the residence to come out. Police say three other adults then came from the couple’s bedroom.
The child identified one of the adults, 28-year-old Rashon Ray, as the man responsible for their leg injury. When asked by detectives, the child gave a statement including numerous accusations of abuse. After being observed to have multiple bruises and cuts on their body, the child was transported to a nearby hospital where they tested positive for methamphetamine in their system.
While being interviewed, Johnson reportedly admitted to using marijuana in front of the child, but denied ever using methamphetamine. Both Callahan and Johnson denied hitting the child. After Callahan consented to a search of their apartment, officers allegedly discovered four meth pipes, three marijuana pipes, and four baggies containing meth residue along with other drug-related paraphernalia. Detectives also claim to have observed highly unsanitary conditions throughout the home.
Due to the evidence collected during the search, and the condition of the child, Callahan and Johnson were both placed under arrest and charged with Criminal Abuse of a Child under 12 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
