Step-Father Arrested for Child Abuse

Story Laurice Mooney

A 50-year-old Westmoreland man was arrested last week on three counts of child abuse and neglect.

Story Mooney, the step-father of the victims, was the second individual arrested in the case.

Chronicle readers may recall a story printed in our October 14, 2025 issue, regarding the arrest of the victims’ mother, 36-year-old Mindy Michelle Mooney.

Details of the case are included in the report filed by Detective Robert Jacoby of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department. His report reads as follows:

On Thursday, October 9, 2025 I was called by DCS Investigator Catherine Hacket and Sgt. Bryan Emberton of the Macon County Sheriffs Office to assist at the stated residence for a child abuse and neglect case. After arriving at the residence, I made contact with both parties mentioned and was explained about the living conditions. There were children present at the residence and gave statements of trash and animal feces all over the floor, furniture and bedding. Victims stated that there is no food to eat, and what food that is in the refrigerator and cabinets is ruined and molded over. I approached the residence and did observe myself trash covering the entire floor and a strong odor of animal feces coming from the residence. Victims made statements of physical threats coming from the parents and the mother telling stepdad if he hits them, make sure he hits them in the throat. Victims have been pulled from the school system and have not attended any kind of educational classes since the first of September. Due to the circumstances of the residence and the condition the kids were in, the named offender is being charged with Child Abuse and Neglect. The incident did occur in Macon County.

Signed,

Det. Robert Jacoby 

Mr. Mooney was given of bond of $60,000 and is scheduled to appear in general sessions court on December 3, 2025.