A Washington County couple plead guilty to lesser charges in a severe child neglect case. 

On Friday, Ashley and Joshua Drew of rural Washington were in court on charges stemming from incidents that occurred in October of 2023. According to court documents, in October of 2023 the Drews did knowingly expose a child or person who by reason of mental or physical disability to a hazard or danger which the person could not reasonably protect themselves. The neglect or abandonment of a dependent person is a class C felony. The Drews transported the teenage victim to a hospital for what was later determined to be complications from severe malnourishment. 

Ashley Drew faced two class C felony abandonment charges, and one charge of endangerment resulting in bodily injury, a class D felony. Joshua Drew had one class C felony abandonment charge, and another charge of child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor. 

Joshua Drew plead guilty to the misdemeanor child endangerment charge. On Friday, he was sentenced to two years of probation. Ashley Drew is expected to plead guilty to a felony child endangerment charge and be sentenced to five years of probation.

Court records indicated at the time of the incident there were nine children in the house but did not specify if they were foster, adopted or biological children. In a written statement from the victim, who is now 18, they alleged the Drews abused them mentally and physically for years and often withheld water and food.

Ashley Drew’s court hearing is set for February 21. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.