Judge Refuses Lower Bail for Jailed Parents

Despite a plea to reduce bail, an unemployed Port Hueneme couple remained in custody Thursday in lieu of $150,000 bail on charges of child endangerment for allegedly raising their four children in a filthy, trash-cluttered house.

“It was a complete disaster,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Brian S. Rafelson, arguing in favor of the high bail. “They had no consideration whatsoever for their kids.”

Guy W. Cole, 39, and his wife, Tammi D. Cole, 36, were arrested this week after authorities found the couple and their four children living in allegedly dangerous and unsanitary conditions.

Responding to an anonymous tip, police entered the couple’s home at 1555 N. 6th Place and found trash, rotting food, soiled mattresses and piles of dirty laundry.

They also found evidence of a makeshift methamphetamine lab in the garage, authorities said.

Guy Cole was charged with operating a methamphetamine lab in addition to child endangerment. He faces an added allegation that he ran a lab while children under 16 were present. His wife faces only a child-endangerment charge.

Although the Coles were scheduled to enter pleas Thursday, their arraignment was postponed until May 7.

During Thursday’s court hearing, defense attorney Victor Salas urged Municipal Judge Edward Brodie to reduce bail.

Salas said the children have been living with their grandmother--not in the house. And he said it makes no sense to hold the couple on such a high amount for what he argued amounted to uncleanliness.

“I don’t think living in a dirty house is a reason for an increase of $100,000,” he said. The normal bail amount for the drug charge is $20,000, Salas said.

But Brodie denied his request.

“I think it’s ridiculous,” Salas said later outside the courtroom. “He’s just messy.”

As for Tammi Cole, who faces only one criminal charge, Salas said she should be released from custody and allowed to stay at a shelter. “What she wants to do is retain custody of her kids,” Salas said.

The children--ages 2, 4, 14 and 16--have been left in the custody of their grandmother, who lives next door. Authorities said the county’s social services agency has also been notified of the case.