MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County woman is facing charges after police say her daughter was found unsupervised at a condemned Princeton property surrounded by drug paraphernalia and known drug users.
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2026, when Sgt. Shrewsbury observed a large group of people gathered at a residence on Harrison Street in Princeton.
Police said the home had been condemned earlier in the month due to serious health and safety concerns.
While investigating, Sgt. Shrewsbury reported observing drug paraphernalia both around the property and inside a small shed. Items allegedly included hypodermic needles and aluminum foil coated with burnt drug residue.
Among those at the property was a juvenile girl identified as the daughter of Kayla Barton. According to the complaint, the child appeared impaired and was smoking a vape. The juvenile reportedly told officers that her mother knew she was at the property.
Investigators also noted that the same child had been found at the property the previous evening, around 9:00 p.m., and had been released to adult supervision following that incident.
Police allege Barton created a substantial risk of injury or death by allowing her daughter to remain unsupervised at the condemned residence, where she was exposed to drug paraphernalia and in the company of individuals known to law enforcement as drug users.
As a result of the investigation, Sgt. Shrewsbury said he will seek criminal warrants against Barton.
The allegations contained in the criminal complaint are accusations only. Barton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
