FL Boy, 4, Tests Positive for Cocaine
It's easy to feel like a bad parent sometimes. But if you're ever feeling down on your child-rearing skills, take comfort in the fact that at least your 4-year-old boy isn't on cocaine. Unless he is, than you're a less-than ideal parent.
Police in Jacksonville responded to a complaint that prostitution and drug activity was going on in a Florida hotel room. When they arrived, they found a 4-year-old boy, along with two other men. The boy later tested positive for cocaine at a local hospital.
So where was his mother in all of this?
Apparently out at the store, according to Matthew Reagan, one of the men in the room. Meanwhile, the mother had allegedly left her son in his and the other man Quentine Crawford's "capable" hands.
The mother was allegedly a prostitute, according to Reagan. He had rented the room for her.
The room smelled of marijuana, police said. Cops also found what appeared to be white icing on the floor and table. The substance later tested positive for cocaine. Police believe the boy was eating it.
Authorities haven't been able to locate the mother. But they're attempting to put a warrant out for her arrest on child neglect charges.
In Florida, child neglect is defined as "failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect or exploitation by another person."
So while the boy's mother didn't directly harm her child, because she allegedly left him in the men's care where he got high, she could be criminally liable.
Reagan was arrested for child neglect, cocaine possession, intent to distribute, and renting space for prostitution. Crawford has been charged with cocaine possession. The boy has been placed in protective custody.
Related Resources:
- 4-Year-Old Boy Test Positive for Cocaine (News 4 Jax)
- What To Do if You Suspect Child Abuse (FindLaw Blotter)
- Checklist: Are You a Mandatory Reporter of Child Abuse (FindLaw)