(WNY News Now) – ASHVILLE, N.Y. – Three Ashville residents were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child following a welfare check that revealed unsanitary and unsafe living conditions for two young children.
On June 6, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Lakewood-Busti Police Department responded to an anonymous complaint about the welfare of two small children at a residence located at 2329 Route 394 in Ashville. Upon arrival, officers made contact with 31-year-old Tomas J. Meredith and were granted permission to enter the home.
Police reported being immediately overwhelmed by a foul odor upon entry. The interior of the residence was found in an extreme state of disarray and filth. Officers observed trash covering the floors, counters, and walls, as well as cockroaches, flies, and widespread animal feces. Authorities say the conditions posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the two children, ages three and four, living in the home.
As a result of the investigation, Meredith, along with 27-year-old Monica M. Fleming and 50-year-old Susan M. Berryhill, were each arrested and charged with two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Child Protective Services responded to the scene and took custody of the children.
Due to New York State bail reform laws, all three individuals were released with appearance tickets. They are scheduled to appear in the Town of Busti Court at a later date. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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