On January 30, 2024, at approximately 7:28 pm, Paris Police Officers responded to a welfare concern in the 2800 block of Bonham St. A couple living in an inoperable van at the Home Depot Parking lot drew attention from a local family attempting to provide assistance.
The local family, aiming to repair the van, encountered resistance from the couple, who refused to disclose their identities or allow communication with a young female child found living with them. A wrecker service was called to transport the van to the family's residence for repairs.
Upon investigation, the assisting family discovered the couple's reluctance to share information extended to police officers. The male, identifying himself as Ray Maccabee, hindered officers' attempts to contact the female and child. Child Protective Services was notified but faced similar obstruction when checking the child's welfare.
Further inquiry revealed the male's identification as Raymon J Alvarez from New Mexico, conflicting with the initially provided information. Detectives returned to the residence on January 31, where the female initially identified as Ruth Maccabee later revealed her name as Felisha Lynn Scroggins.
Officers finally managed to speak with the child, who lacked essential personal details. The living conditions inside the van were reported as deplorable, with the family resorting to using a bucket as a toilet.
Child Protective Services was once again alerted, and due to continued evasive behavior and failure to cooperate with the investigation, both Scroggins and Alvarez were taken into custody. They face charges of Failure to Identify as Witness and Endangering a child.
The child's relationship to the couple remains uncertain, as she displayed unusual uncooperativeness during the investigation
The investigation is ongoing.
