A mother in Kingsport, Tennessee, has been arrested after authorities allegedly found her four children home alone for several days. A second man who arrived with her was also taken into custody after deputies reportedly discovered suspected drugs, firearms and other weapons in his vehicle.
Four Children Found Alone at Kingsport Home
Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home in Kingsport, northeast Tennessee, at approximately 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 13, following a report that four children were alone.
According to police allegations, the children told deputies they had last seen and spoken to their mother on Friday, September 11. Officers also reported finding unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside the home.
Authorities said a dog at the property did not have access to food or water. The Department of Children’s Services and Sullivan County Animal Control were contacted to assist with the situation.
The children’s mother, identified as 33-year-old Thea Chyanne Sorrell, later returned to the residence. She was accompanied by 37-year-old Matthew Brown, who was driving the truck in which she was a passenger.
Both individuals were arrested.
Mother Faces Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty Charges
Sorrell faces three felony counts of child abuse or neglect involving children aged 8 or younger. She was also charged with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and animal cruelty.
She was booked into Sullivan County Jail, where her bond was set at $50,000.
The allegations relate to the children being left without their mother for an extended period, along with the reported conditions at the home. The charges remain allegations, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
Police Report Drugs and Multiple Firearms in Man’s Truck
During their investigation, deputies reportedly found suspected methamphetamine in Brown’s pocket and a substance believed to be heroin inside a small bag.
Authorities said a search of his truck uncovered four loaded firearms, several bags containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine, and approximately 306 grams of the suspected drug. One of the firearms was reportedly stolen from the City of Kingsport.
Deputies also reported finding pills that were not in their original containers, a pipe with residue commonly associated with methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, suspected psychedelic mushrooms, knives, ammunition, brass knuckles, an axe and approximately $5,000 in cash.
Brown allegedly consented to a search of his home, where deputies said they discovered two additional firearms.
He faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to controlled substances, weapons and probation violations. The charges include allegations involving a residence used for drug activity and possession of firearms during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Police also said Brown had two active Sullivan County warrants, was driving with a suspended license and had outstanding probation-related issues.
Brown remains in Sullivan County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
