Couple charged with child neglect sign signature bonds

Two adults charged with two counts of felony child neglect and two counts of misdemeanor child neglect signed signature bonds at a Marathon County initial appearance on Friday, Feb. 24.

Both Matthew Weber and Amanda Johnson of Colby were released on $1,500 signature bonds with the stipulation that they must keep their home fit for human habitation and must comply with any requirements or orders of the Marathon County Department of Social Services.

The duo were charged with the child neglect of their four children in their Colby home after police responded to the residence after a caller told police there was trash all over the residence and feces on the walls.

Police walked through the residence which had garbage, moldy food, feces and more spread throughout the home. The children were temporarily displaced until the residence could be cleaned.

Johnson and Weber both told police they hadn’t had time to clean and the mess had accumulated over time. Colby-Abbotsford police referred their report and the case to the Marathon County Department of Social Services. Charges were then forwarded on to the Marathon County District Attorney’s office who filed a complaint on February 9.

Both Weber and Johnson were required to provide the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office their fingerprints and photographs as a part of the signature bonds.

The duo will appear in court on April 13 for their pre-trial conference.