Two children in DSS custody; three dogs with animal control

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Police Department arrested four people this week, all who were charged with possession of methamphetamine and child abuse and two who were additionally charged with cruelty to animals.

Columbus Police Chief Scott Hamby said on Tuesday, officers received a call at 263 Blanton Street, Columbus. Officers found Angela Diane Burrell, 29, of 263 Blanton Street, who was driving a car with her two children with methamphetamine in her possession.

Burrell was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, misdemeanor child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked and littering, according to police reports.

Around 9 p.m. Tuesday, Hamby said Columbus officers and a Saluda officer executed a search warrant at the residence, with the Polk County Department of Social Services and Polk County Animal Control also on scene to assist.

There were three adults inside the home when officers arrived, along with two children, ages 4 and 7, and three dogs, Hamby said.

Andrew Kassel, 32, of 263 Blanton Street, Columbus, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, misdemeanor child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to store a firearm to protect a minor, cruelty to animals and simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance, according to police reports.

Justin Tyler Collins, 27, of Hendersonville was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, misdemeanor child abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police reports.

Teka Marie Frank, 24, of 263 Blanton Street, Columbus, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance, misdemeanor child abuse, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine and cruelty to animals, according to police reports.

Hamby said the children were taken into DSS custody because of the dangerous living conditions in the home.

“Two of the dogs were located in a small cage without access to food or water,” Hamby said. “The animals were removed and cared for by Polk County Animal Control.”

Hamby also said during the search methamphetamine, schedule II pills that were not prescribed to anyone located there, several items of drug paraphernalia and several firearms were discovered in the house.

All suspects were arrested and transported to the Polk County Detention Center.

Burrell received a $16,000 secured bond; Kassel received a $17,000 bond; Collins received a $16,500 bond and Franks received a $25,000, according to Columbus Police reports.