A child’s mother and aunt have been arrested on charges of endangering children after allegedly depriving a six-year-old boy of food and water.

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said his office was contacted by the Kentucky Child Protective Services on Wednesday, Sept. 4. They advised they received a report a 6-year-old child, who resides in Kentucky, was in Ohio for court-ordered visitation with his biological mother. The visitation occurred over the weekend of Aug. 31-Sept. 1.

It was reported that he was being deprived of food and water. The child was taken to King’s Daughters Medical Center then transferred to Cabell County Hospital’s Pediatric Unit. The child was admitted and treated for hypoglycemia, dehydration, and malnutrition.

Thoroughman said detectives, working jointly with the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim Unit, responded to 219 Long St., Wheelersburg, and located the mother of the child. The mother was transported to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office for questioning and further investigation.

Thoroughman said detectives determined the incident took place at the child’s aunt’s residence located at 423 Central Ave., West Portsmouth. Detectives responded to this location and transported the aunt to the sheriff’s office for further investigation.

The investigation resulted in both the mother and aunt being criminally charged.

Arrested were Michael J. Born, 31, of Wheelersburg, and Courtney M. Born, 34, of West Portsmouth. Both have been charged with one count of endangering children, a third-degree felony.

Both appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court Friday, Sept. 6, and are being held at the Scioto County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

Thoroughman said the investigation is ongoing and could result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at (740 351-1091.