According to City of Minot information, the Minot Police Department executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Ward County Human Services Zone on a southeast Minot residence for the purposes of a welfare check on a juvenile.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers found Jacob Youpee, 32, and Mary Yellow Lodge, 27, both Minot, and a 5 year old child in their care, living in extremely poor conditions, with drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics visible in the home.

The 5-year-old was found in the upstairs area of the residence wearing only a soiled diaper and showing signs of neglect and possible abuse. The affidavit of probable cause said bruising was visible around the juvenile’s waist, indicating he had been tied up or restrained.

Investigators noted concerns that the child appeared malnourished. Officers didn’t observe any food in the home and were told by Yellow Lodge that the child had not eaten that day. The child was then transported to a Minot hospital for treatment.

According to city information, Youpee admitted to having pills he believed to be “fake” fentanyl, which officers identified as counterfeit oxycodone that often contain fentanyl.

Yellow Lodge and Youpee were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, both Class A misdemeanors; child neglect and abuse and endangerment of a child or vulnerable adult, both Class C felonies.

Yellow Lodge and Youpee were transported to the Ward County Jail and made their initial appearances in North Central District Court on Friday.