PINEHURST — Three children have been removed from their mother’s custody, and 12 felony charges have been filed following a child abuse investigation that culminated in a raid Tuesday evening. 

Justin Stevenson, 26; Jordanne Freese, 29; Jonathan Ross, 33; and Mark Stevenson, 56, were taken into custody at various times Tuesday. The charges stem from a welfare check conducted Saturday by Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

According to a SCSO report, Capt. Seth Green was alerted by a deputy conducting a welfare check at a residence just outside Pinehurst city limits. The check was prompted by the children’s father, who reported alarming statements made by his two older children. 

During the welfare check, Green reportedly observed 42 visible injuries on a toddler’s head and body. Determining the child was in imminent danger, he removed her from the home. 

On Tuesday, Freese and Justin Stevenson were at the courthouse for a hearing regarding the 2-year-old. Both were arrested before leaving the premises. According to court records, Freese was taken into custody immediately after the hearing, while Stevenson was arrested outside the courtroom. 

According to Green, while the pair were inside the courthouse, K-9 Deputy Lulu conducted an open-air sniff around their vehicle. This led to a search of the truck, where deputies discovered multiple drugs and drug paraphernalia. 

Based on the children’s statements, Green obtained a warrant to search the home. 

“We saw evidence of drug use by both caretakers of the children,” Green said. “Based off our training, we know that drug use can exacerbate the dangers and risks in these types of situations.” 

Due to the severity of the child’s injuries, Green expressed concern about the potential risks of entering the home. The raid was carried out with support from the SCSO’s Rapid Action Team, the Shoshone County Drug Task Force, the probation department and assistance from Kootenai County and the Shoshone County TacMed Team. 

The property is the primary residence of Justin Stevenson’s parents.

Mark Stevenson was arrested at the residence during the raid, which reportedly uncovered additional drugs, paraphernalia and firearms. Jonathan Ross, who was also living on the property, was found in possession of a firearm — an alleged violation of his probation. 

Justin Stevenson was charged with felony injury to a child; three counts of possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl and methamphetamine); two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces separate felony drug charges in Kootenai County. 

Jordanne Freese was charged with felony injury to a child; three counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Mark Stevenson was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Jonathan Ross was charged with probation violation. 

The two older children have been placed in the custody of their father. The youngest child is now under the care of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. 

    Justin Stevenson
  

    Jordanne Freese