A 33-year-old Kingsport woman was arrested after Sullivan County deputies found her four children alone at a home on Bancroft Chapel Road, according to authorities.
Deputies were called to the residence shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. When they arrived, they spoke with the children and learned that their mother, Thea Chyanne Sorrell, had reportedly been away since Friday and had not checked in with them during that time.
Authorities also described the conditions inside the home as unsanitary and unsafe. A dog at the residence was reportedly left without adequate access to food or water.
The Department of Children’s Services and Sullivan County Animal Control were contacted to assist after deputies assessed the situation.
Mother Returns While Deputies Are at the Home
Later that day, Sorrell returned to the residence as a passenger in a pickup truck. Deputies arrested her after she arrived.
Sorrell was charged with three felony counts of child abuse or neglect involving children age 8 or younger. She also faces misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty and child endangerment.
She was booked into the Sullivan County Jail and was being held on a $50,000 bond, according to authorities.
Driver Faces Separate Drug and Weapons Charges
The pickup truck was driven by 37-year-old Matthew Brown of Elizabethton, authorities said.
Deputies reported finding suspected methamphetamine on Brown and additional suspected drugs inside the vehicle. Investigators also reported finding suspected heroin, multiple bags containing suspected methamphetamine, and four loaded firearms. One of the firearms had reportedly been reported stolen in Kingsport.
Authorities also said they found prescription pills, marijuana, mushrooms, drug paraphernalia and nearly $5,000 in cash. An ax and brass knuckles were among the other items reportedly recovered.
Brown was additionally facing charges related to firearms, controlled substances, weapons and prior warrants. Authorities said he also had a suspended driver’s license.
Investigation Remains Focused on the Children’s Safety
The children’s discovery prompted involvement from both child welfare officials and animal control. The case also brought a separate investigation into the drugs and weapons allegedly found with Brown.
Sorrell and Brown were both booked into the Sullivan County Jail. According to the latest available information, Sorrell’s bond was set at $50,000, while Brown’s was set at $100,000. Their arrests are allegations, and the charges will proceed through the court system.
