A Hull man is facing multiple charges, including child endangerment, following a pair of investigations by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested 47-year-old Todd Matthew De Jong of Hull on Saturday, June 20, at approximately 7:55 p.m. Authorities say the arrest stemmed from an investigation that determined a residence had become unsafe or unsanitary for a child living there.
Child Endangerment Investigation
Court records allege De Jong allowed a dog to defecate inside the residence over an extended period, and that multiple used drug needles were left in areas where a minor child could easily access them. Investigators further allege the home’s condition created a substantial risk to the child’s health and safety. De Jong was charged with child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services assisted with the investigation.
No-Contact Order Charge
Court records also show De Jong was arrested on June 20 and charged with violating a no-contact order. According to investigators, De Jong went to a protected party’s residence on June 15 to retrieve an item related to their child while the protected party was present. The criminal complaint states that the no-contact order prohibited him from being in the immediate vicinity of the residence.
Earlier Domestic Abuse Case
The no-contact order was issued following an earlier domestic abuse case. According to court documents, De Jong was arrested on June 9 and charged with Domestic Abuse Assault – First Offense.
Investigators allege De Jong charged at the victim, tackled her to the ground, and placed his knee on her abdomen.
Separate Investigation at Same Residence
Court records indicate the child endangerment allegations involve the same Hull residence where another resident, 42-year-old Sarah Faith De Jong, was recently charged with child endangerment and multiple drug-related offenses. Court filings in both cases reference the same address and the same minor child, although authorities have not publicly stated whether the cases are directly connected.
