By Mack Callahan
TOPEKA, Kan. — Two Shawnee County residents accused of exposing children to methamphetamine manufacturing were booked into jail early Tuesday morning — and then released just a couple of hours later.
According to Shawnee County booking records, James Anthony Marple was booked at 2:45 a.m. on May 13 on allegations including aggravated endangering a child related to exposure to the manufacture or sale of methamphetamine or fentanyl, theft between $1,500 and $25,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use it in the human body.
Booking records show Marple was released at 4:10 a.m. — roughly an hour and 25 minutes after being booked into custody.
Also arrested in the same timeframe was Sharee Renee Sutton, who was booked at 2:30 a.m. on charges including aggravated endangering a child tied to alleged meth or fentanyl manufacturing exposure and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use it in the human body.
Records indicate Sutton was released at 4:20 a.m., less than two hours after being booked.
Both cases list bond amounts of $2,500 per charge and show court appearances scheduled for June 11.
The aggravated child endangerment allegations stand out because Kansas law specifically elevates penalties when children are allegedly exposed to environments involving methamphetamine or fentanyl production. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies have historically described meth labs as among the most dangerous drug-related environments for children due to toxic chemicals, explosion risks, and long-term health exposure.
And yet, despite allegations involving children and meth manufacturing, both defendants were back out on the street before sunrise.
That reality is becoming increasingly familiar in Shawnee County. Violent offenders, repeat offenders, DUI suspects, and now people accused of exposing children to meth production are frequently cycling through the jail system at lightning speed. Residents are left asking the same question over and over:
What exactly qualifies as serious enough to keep someone locked up anymore?
As always, all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
