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The investigation began around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, August 20, when the Andover Police Department received a call reporting a deceased child at a home on Lake Iliff Road, they said in a release on Saturday, August 26.
Responders confirmed that the child had been dead for an “undetermined amount of time,” Andover Police said.
A follow-up investigation led to the discovery of drugs and paraphernalia inside the home, as well as additional evidence that had been “removed from the residence and relocated off the property,” according to police.
Andover Township residents Stephen M. Dagis, 52, Julie Taylor, 48, and Sarah Vanderbilt, 34, were arrested and charged with child endangerment and various drug offenses, police said.
Dagis and Taylor were also charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction, and tampering with evidence.
Dagis was one of 15 Sussex County residents previously arrested for drugs in a major 2020 bust dubbed “Operation Shutdown,” Daily Voice reported.
The investigation was ongoing with additional charges pending, the department added.
Assisting agencies include the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sussex County Sheriff Department K9 unit, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Unit, and the Newton Police Department.
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