JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The U.S. Marshals are asking for the public's help in finding a couple that has been on the run for more than three years.
Janet and Ramon Barreto are charged with manslaughter in New Albany in the death of their 2-year-old adopted daughter, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The couple is also wanted for multiple counts of child neglect and endangerment involving their other adopted children.
The Barretos left their severely injured daughter, Ena Barreto, at a north Mississippi hospital in May 2008. The couple told staff the child had fallen from a shopping cart. Ena later died at a Memphis children's hospital.
Janet and Ramon Barreto were arrested in May 2008. An investigation revealed the couple had adopted seven other children and were running a puppy mill. Hundreds of animals were found crammed into cages, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Bond was set for each of the Barretos at $450,000, but they fled. The couple was tracked to Mexico, and there have also been confirmed sightings in California. The couple could still be selling small dogs to people on the street or through ads on the internet.
Janet Barreto is described as a white female, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs more than 300 pounds. Ramon Barreto is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 137 pounds.
If you have seen Janet Barreto or Ramon Barreto or know where they are, contact the U.S. Marshals Service:
- U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or
- Deputy U.S. Marshal Gale Manning at 662-816-3013 (English speakers) or
- Deputy U.S. Marshal David Doming at 213-798-6446 (Spanish speakers) or
- Email: usms.wanted@usdoj.gov
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