Charges have been filed in connection with an investigation by Storm Lake police and the Department of Human Services into the welfare of some children.
          On July 16th, a report was received that children at 502-B West Eighth Street were present while illegal drugs were allegedly being used.  Police searched the residence and located drug paraphernalia.  Two small children… an infant and a four-year-old… were tested by DHS for exposure to alleged meth use.  Those tests came back positive.
          Police have now charged 39-year-old Cathleen Cortez of Storm Lake with two counts of child endangerment, a class “D” felony… possession of meth, a serious misdemeanor… and possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with official acts, both simple misdemeanors.  Cortez was jailed on an 11-thousand dollar bond.
          Police charged 27-year-old Jorge Melesio-Perez of Storm Lake with two counts of child endangerment, a class “D” felony… and possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple misdemeanor.  He was released after posting a ten-thousand dollar bond.