STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — The parents of a toddler are facing felony charges after fentanyl was found in the 2-year-old’s system.
On Sunday, police in Stafford County were called for reports of a choking child. Deputies arrived at a home on Thomas Jefferson Place a little before 1 a.m. and began performing life-saving measures on the toddler until first responders arrived.
While Deputy Waheed was tending to the child, he was informed the baby had been choking on a hash brown.
However, Waheed noticed signs consistent with someone who had been overdosing. Thankfully, first responders were able to transport the baby to a nearby hospital in time to begin treatment.
Later that day, the hospital contacted Child Protective Services after they found traces of cannabinoids, fentanyl, and THC in the baby’s system. CPS promptly contacted Waheed, who launched an investigation into the parents.
On Monday, detectives went back to the residence with a search warrant and searched the home. Inside the home, detectives located unknown controlled substances, including suspected fentanyl, and two firearms, one of which was in the child’s bedroom.
The father, Mark Cole, was charged with felony child abuse, possession of controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute.
The mother, Tabitha Williams, was charged with felony child abuse, possession of controlled substances, possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled substances, and obstruction of justice.
Both are being held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond. As for the baby, he is still being treated at the hospital, but is expected to recover.