BY RUTH LIAO
Statesman Journal
March 17, 2007
The 17 children taken into protective custody during a series of a drug-related arrests in Salem this week have been placed in stable care, officials said Friday.
Salem police arrested 12 adults in meth busts during a 14-hour investigation beginning Wednesday. Children from four households and ranging in age from one month to 17 years were taken into state care following those arrested.
One of those 17 is Angel Cervantes-Shull, 17, who is staying with an older sister. Angel said he wants his mother to receive treatment -- not go to prison.
"I guess this is the only way I can get my prayers answered," Angel said of his mother, Evyette Mayla Shull, 51. "I just don't want my mom to be gone for a long time."
Shull was arrested on charges that included possession and delivery of methamphetamine, first-degree child neglect and endangering the welfare of a child.
Angel described his mother as a sweet, caring parent who struggled to raise his siblings on Social Security and food stamps. When her kids needed something, she went without, Angel said.
Angel, who will turn 18 in July, has been talking with local radio stations and television stations in an attempt to tell his mother's story since her arrest.
Police also accuse Shull of sending Angel's 15-year-old brother to deliver drugs.
Angel's younger brother remained in foster care Friday. It was not clear whether charges were pending against him. Angel said his brother is shy and introverted and not the type to use drugs.
"It sucks to see my brother suffer for the mistakes my mom did," Angel said.
Angel said his mother suffered chronic pain and illness. He said she occasionally smoked meth, but he never saw her smoke in front of him. Angel said he recently suspected his mother was using meth when she needed to get dentures.
Shull has previous second-degree theft charges from Aumsville and Salem. Angel said she shoplifted household items that she needed for him and his brother -- toiletries such as shampoo, and razors so that Angel could shave.
"She put everyone before herself," Angel said.
Angel, who said he works seasonally with his father at Fordyce Farm, said he knows his mom committed a crime. Angel said he's glad -- in a way -- that his mother was caught so she could get help.
"I just want for her to get help and get healthy," Angel said. "That's all I want for my mom."
rliao@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 589-6941
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2 comments:
That is an extremely sad story, it just baffles me how someone would want to get involved into drugs in the first place, especially a drug like Meth that eats you inside and out. The sadest part is that these kids are being exposed to this, and are more likely to turn to drugs as well. It is like its a never ending cycle. How can people be so careless with thier lives?
I know that these kids in this story is doing just fine. i have been dating the 15 year old for 2 years today which now makes him 17. I know that these kids are not doing to be turning to drugs after they saw eveything that happened to there mom. Evyette is a very nice person inside out and she was just stuck in a hard place even though she shouldn't have done what she did she wishes that she could take it all back. And when she gets out of prison she isn't going back cause I'll be right by her side the whole time. Expecially since she is like a mom to me.
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