Couple arrested on meth charges while 2-year-old in home

A toddler is in state custody and officials have arrested two people after methamphetamine was found in a Fayette County home on Monday.

Fayette County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Ryan James Smith, 25, and Erika Nichole Pipkin, 30, on Monday after searching their West Union apartment. The sheriff's office obtained a search warrant after an investigation led them to suspect there was a drug trafficking operation in the home, according to a news release.

The sheriff's office said a 2-year-old was in the home and methamphetamine was found within the child's reach. The Department of Human Services has taken custody of the child, the sheriff's office said, and has opened its own investigation.

Smith and Pipkin face charges of child endangerment - exposure to methamphetamine, a Class D felony; possession of methamphetamine, an aggravated misdemeanor; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.

The sheriff's office said the investigation is ongoing and more charges and arrests are possible.

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