Marion Couple Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Child Tests Positive for Drugs

A Marion couple is facing serious drug-related charges after an investigation revealed that a child in their care had been exposed to illegal substances.

Detective Billie Brown with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged 39-year-olds Bethany Taylor Hensley and Preston Ballew Hensley with felony Exposing a Child to a Controlled Substance.Bethany Hensley received a $75,000 secured bond, while Preston Hensley was initially denied bond due to an existing pretrial release in another case.

The charges stem from a January 13 investigation following a referral from the McDowell County Department of Social Services. Detective Brown’s inquiry led to drug-exposure testing of the children in the home, conducted with parental consent.

The couple now faces additional charges after a February incident, during which Lt. Richard Pittman charged both Preston and Bethany Hensley with felony Possession of Cocaine and felony Maintaining a Vehicle, Dwelling, or Place for a Controlled Substance.Bethany Hensley’s bond for these charges was set at $20,000 secured, and Preston Hensley’s at $25,000 secured.

On February 4, the McDowell County Drug Enforcement Unit executed a narcotics search warrant at the couple’s Marion residence. During the search, detectives reportedly discovered 17 grams of cocaine inside the home.

Both individuals remain under investigation as authorities continue to pursue the case.