MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County woman is facing multiple charges after authorities say she was found intoxicated and unable to care for her three children.
According to the criminal complaint, 36-year-old Chelsea Belford, of Bluefield, called 911 on Sunday, November 16, 2025, but hung up before providing details.
Officers traced the call to her residence, where initial attempts to make contact were met with refusal.
When officers entered the home, they observed Belford sitting on a couch with her pre-teen daughter and two young sons, ages 2 and 3, who were unclothed and running around the room.
The officers noted an open beer bottle, an empty vodka bottle, and multiple smoked cigarettes and ashes scattered on the floor.
Authorities reported that Belford was argumentative and smelled strongly of alcohol. She repeatedly refused a preliminary breath test and obstructed officers from entering the home.
During the investigation, Belford’s brother arrived and was left to care for the children due to her intoxication. Authorities referred the family to Child Protective Services.
Belford is charged with three counts of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury—one for each child—and two counts of Obstructing an Officer. She is currently out on bond.
