A Minot couple have been sentenced to time served and probation after pleading guilty to the three counts of child endangerment for exposing their children to methamphetamine.

Julio Alonso Martinez, 42, and Stephanie Ann Martinez, 28, both of Minot, entered change of plea in North Central District Court, pleading guilty to three counts of endangerment of child or vulnerable adult, a Class C felony. Stephanie Martinez entered her change of plea on Aug. 4 before Judge Steven Lautt, and Julio Martinez entered his change of plea on Aug. 11 before Judge Todd Cresap.

Based on court records, the Martinez’s were charged in March after the Minot Police Department assisted Child Protective Services with the removal of three young children – an infant, a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old – from a room at a local hotel.

Subsequent testing revealed two of the children tested positive for methamphetamine. A hair follicle test could not be completed on the third child due to hair length. The Martinez’s were interviewed by detectives, and both admitted to using methamphetamine in the presence of the children.

Lautt sentenced Stephanie Martinez to 360 days in the Ward County Jail, to first serve 20 days with credit for 20 days already served. The felony counts will be deemed misdemeanors upon her completion of three years of supervised probation. Stephanie Martinez was also ordered to complete a chemical dependency evaluation, and assessed $525 in court fines and fees.

Cresap sentenced Julio Martinez to 360 days in the Ward County Jail, to first serve 25 days with credit for 25 days already served. The felony counts will be deemed misdemeanors upon his completion of three years of supervised probation.

Both were ordered to have no contact with the children unless as permitted by juvenile court.