Anonymous tip leads to child endangerment arrests

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Thursday, March 14, Mobile man was still behind bars after being arrested and charged with four counts of chemically endangering a child. 

Investigators said the suspect’s girlfriend, who is facing the same charges, has been released on bond.

Authorities said an anonymous tip called in to the Mobile County Sheriff's Office led deputies to a house on Admiral Semmes Avenue in west Mobile.

“What happened here is we got the tip, we handed it off to special ops. They went and checked -- did like a knock and talk ... and at that point they saw the marijuana and we called narcotics,” said Lori Myles, spokesperson with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.

But that wasn't the only thing deputies found.

“A few assault weapons, said Myles. “We did get some crack cocaine as well.”

In addition to drugs and weapons, children were found in the house.

“Mostly what we're looking at is if the drugs are lying around, and it's easy accessible for the kids and in this instance you had marijuana laying on tables,” said Myles.

Deputies arrested Taiwan Anderson and Joycelyn Trotter and each charged with six felonies.

Anderson was also wanted on two outstanding traffic warrants. 

Family members stepped in and took custody of the children.

“We feel like it was successful, if for no other reason than we got five children out of a dangerous situation,” Myles said.

Both suspects were charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and four counts of chemically endangering a child.

The Mobile County Sheriff's Department wants to remind you to call them to report criminal activity, you can do so anonymously.