Sioux Center, Iowa– Two people were arrested on felony neglect or abandonment charges after a recent incident in Sioux Center.
According to criminal complaints filed with the Sioux County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Sioux Center Police Department, 27-year-old Everildo Chavez Lopez of Sioux Center is accused of driving while intoxicated with a juvenile in the vehicle. The father of the juvenile, 33-year-old Sergio Chavez Lopez, was also in the vehicle, and he is accused of allowing it to happen.
In his statements, the officer accuses the pair of consuming alcohol in the vehicle in front of the juvenile. Witnesses say the car was being driven on the wrong side of the roadway and even at one point on the sidewalk. They also say the car nearly struck multiple vehicles.
Both face a felony count of child endangerment or neglect, a class C felony. If convicted, they could face up to ten years in prison. They also face misdemeanor charges.
Sergio Chavez Lopez faces a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, April 29th, and Everildo Chavez Lopez faces a preliminary hearing on May 6th.
At last report, they remained in the Sioux County Jail in Orange City in lieu of bond.
