The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 10-year-old Florida boy was hospitalized after reportedly overdosing on fentanyl in a Fort Myers hotel room.
His father called 911 after finding him unresponsive at the Quality Suites. When deputies arrived, the boy was unconscious and had only a faint pulse, according to the affidavit.
Paramedics suspected a drug overdose and gave the child Narcan. When the first dose did not work, they administered the medication through an IV. The boy responded and was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
A urine test later showed fentanyl in his system, authorities said. The child spoke with investigators and did not implicate his father.
The investigation allegedly turned up more fentanyl inside the hotel room. Deputies reported that they found about 10 grams hidden behind a refrigerator, along with additional amounts in tote bags and drug paraphernalia.
The boy’s mother reportedly told investigators she believed his father and the father’s girlfriend were using drugs. The girlfriend later allegedly acknowledged using drugs but denied leaving them where children could reach them. She also said she did not know how the boy had gotten into the fentanyl and that the drugs found in the room belonged to his father. She reportedly added that the boy’s father had been outside the room when the child called out. According to her account, he was coughing up mucus and having trouble breathing before his father called 911 and began CPR.
The boy’s father declined to speak with investigators without an attorney present. Authorities also contacted the Department of Children and Families.
The father and his girlfriend were arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail. They were accused of child neglect and trafficking in fentanyl and remained jailed without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.