DHS Takes Child for Exposure to Meth

A Northeast Iowa couple are being charged with child endangerment, for allegedly exposing their young child to Methamphetamine.

On Monday (Oct. 29), the Fayette County Sheriff executed a search warrant at an apartment on South Vine Street in West Union. The sheriff had obtained the warrant for a suspected drug trafficking operation.

Officers found meth in reach of a two-year-old child in the home. As a result, the Department of Human Services was called in, removing the child, and opening their own investigation.

25-year-old Ryan Smith and 30-year-old Erika Pipkin, both of West Union, were arrested and charged with Child Endangerment exposure of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, and possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The investigation continues; more arrests and charges are possible.

West Union Police assisted the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.