Pottawatomie Co. Couple Arrested, Accused Of Abuse After Calling Deputies For Child Runaway

Deputies arrested a Pottawatomie County couple for alleged child abuse two days after they called authorities to report a runaway. 

Laurie Myers and Norman Myers Jr. are in custody at the Pottawatomie County jail on four and five criminal complaints, respectively, including child abuse, enabling child abuse, deserting a child, and exploitation by a caretaker. 

Prosecutors have not yet formally charged either in Pottawatomie County District Court. 

Monday, Laurie Myers reported a child as missing that morning, which prompted a roughly 11-hour search by county deputies and volunteers. 

“I could not have asked for a better response,” Laurie Myers told News 9 during the search. “They have just been super. I was extremely pleased with them. And hopefully there will be a good thing really soon.” 

The child was ultimately found and taken into custody by deputies and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, along with another child in the home. 

Investigators, according to arrest warrants, uncovered evidence of physical and mental abuse against the two children. 

The couple is accused of hitting, whipping and choking the children. Their bedroom doorways were equipped with “motion alarms” to keep the children inside, according to the warrants. 

The warrants also allege the Myers did not give the children proper bedding or meals. 

District Attorney Allan Grubb said he “absolutely” intends on filing charges soon.