COPS: Cocaine Found In 6-Month-Old's System, Lancaster Mom Arrested
By Steve Beck
LANCASTER, Pa. (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania mom is facing charges after her six-month-old son was admitted to the hospital with cocaine in his system, police said.
Tanya Madden, 24, of Lancaster, is facing charges of Aggravated Assault of a Child Less than Six Years of Age, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors and Possession of Cocaine.
According to the Lancaster City Police Department, on March 19th, a six-month-old male was admitted to Lancaster General Hospital with cocaine in his system.
The infant was then transferred to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for further treatment due to having cocaine in his system, high blood pressure, high levels of sodium and seizures.
Detectives with the Lancaster City Police Department immediately began an investigation.
Detectives conducted a search of the Lancaster home where Madden lived with her infant son.
During the search, investigators said detectives located a piece of a clear plastic corner tied baggy consistent with drug packaging material and three clear plastic sandwich baggies.
One of the baggies had white residue in the bag, and investigators said the white residue tested positive for the presence of cocaine.
Investigators said a medical expert at Penn State Hershey Medical Center evaluated the child and determined that the victim could not have ingested the cocaine accidentally, and that the victim demonstrated acute cocaine toxicity.
Investigators said it was determined that no one else but Madden was with the child during the time he ingested cocaine.
The child has been released from the hospital and is making significant improvements. The child will undergo ongoing medical evaluations, as the long term effects of this exposure remain unknown.
The infant is currently with a foster family under the supervision of the Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency.
Madden was arrested at her home on April 3rd. She is being held at the Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.
