MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Paul J. Reinsch
(573) 751-1000
December 29, 2009
091204

EMPHASIS: Endangering Welfare Of Child Arrest -- Boone County


On December 28, 2009, a trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Jennifer M. Otto, 27, of Columbia, Missouri, for felony endangering the welfare of a child and possession of marijuana.
The trooper was contacted by an individual who had observed an unattended child in a vehicle parked in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Columbia. Mrs. Otto was identified as the mother a few minutes later and after entry to the car was made, a strong odor of marijuana was detected. The drug and paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle near the child.
The charges for which Otto has been arrested are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.


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