Parents of Twins Found in Cage-Type Cribs Not Facing Child Endangerment Charges

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ALTURAS, Calif. – The District Attorney determined that there is insufficient evidence to charge the couple who had their twins in modified cribs, set up like cages with child endangerment.

On Friday, April 19, 2019, the Modoc County Sheriff’s office arrested Ramon Alberto Zendejas, 25, and his girlfriend, Mercadies Irene Williams, 25, both of Tulelake, California, for child endangerment, possession of controlled substance, manufacturing controlled substances, and weapons charges. On the evening of April 24, 2019, the Modoc County District Attorney Samuel Kyllo determined that there was not sufficient evidence to charge the couple with child endangerment.

The fact that the children were housed in stacked modified cribs alone, does not constitute charges for child endangerment, district attorney’s officials said. Evidence of manufacturing of concentrated cannabis was found during the search, but there was not sufficient evidence that the manufacturing was taking place at the home. The Modoc County Sheriff William ‘Tex’ Dowdy said that after discussing the details with the District Attorney, he supports the decision to not move forward with the child endangerment charges. The children are now safe with a responsible family member at the scene by the Child Protective Services worker.

Felony charges against the couple were filed for prohibited person(s) possessing firearms and ammunition. Zendejas remains in custody for his probation violation without bail.