Davidson County, NC (10/22/2022) – On October 19, 2022, at 6:50 a.m., the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office received a call directly from a citizen. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that a juvenile child was locked in a cage., The child, approximately 9-10 years of age, was locked in a dog kennel overnight at 160 Cress Rd, Lexington, NC 27272.
Deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the residence and confirmed this report. The deputies located a 9-year-old child locked in a dog kennel, secured with a padlock. Deputies forced entry into the dog kennel and rushed the child to EMS personnel, who arrived on the scene to assist.
Due to the exigent circumstances, Deputies then forced entry into the residence. Inside, Deputies located one adult female, later identified as Sarah Starr, and two other children inside the residence. These children were also taken to EMS personnel on the scene but had no apparent injuries.
Detectives arrived on the scene and contacted Davidson County Social Services, who also responded to the scene. The residence was secured, and a search warrant was obtained and executed on the property. Representatives of the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office traveled to the scene to view the conditions of the residence.
Following an extensive investigation, Detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jonathan Star and Sarah Star. The Stars’ were arrested for Felony Child Abuse, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, and False Imprisonment. Detectives also later arrested Shelly Barnes for Felony Child Abuse, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, and False Imprisonment. She was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. She was also charged with Maintaining a Dwelling Place for Controlled Substances. Jonathan Starr, Sarah Starr, and Shelley Barnes were transported to the Davidson County Magistrate’s Office, where they were formally charged.
Jonathan and Sarah Star were both placed under a $30,000 secured bond. Shelley Barnes was placed under a $60,000 secured bond. All three are scheduled to appear in district court in Lexington on November 10th, 2022. The three were released to the custody of the Davidson County Jail without incident.
The 9-year-old child was transported to a hospital in Winston-Salem for evaluation and was released on the same date. Davidson County Social Services has taken protective custody of all three children found at the residence. Two other children who live at the residence were found safe at school. Although arrests have been made in this incident, this is an ongoing and active investigation.
On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Jonathan Starr, Sarah Starr, and Shelley Barnes went to District Court. Their bond was increased.
Jonathan Starr and Sarah Starr’s bonds were increased from $30,000 secured to $100,000 secured. Shelley Barnes’ bond was increased from $60,000 to $300.000.
Source: Davidson County Sheriff’s Office
