PHOTO: Kari D. Thomas and Nicholas L. Ryals were arrested after an investigation revealed that they had used methamphetamine while the children were at home. (Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)

By Staff Reports

CENTRE, Ala. — According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver: Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office investigators and the Department of Human Resources (DHR) began investigating a Forney couple, after a report was made to DHR regarding children and illegal drugs.

Investigators located a small amount of methamphetamine at the residence and discovered that the use of methamphetamine had taken place during a time the children were home.

Investigator Brian Gilliland arrested, Nicholas L. Ryals, 28, and Kari D. Thomas, 37, and charged them both with chemical endangerment, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies transported both suspects to the Cherokee County Detention Center.