Toddler Hospitalized After Meth-Contaminated Sippy Cup Incident; Four Arrested, Says Sheriff

In Florida, four adults have been detained after a distressing incident where a toddler consumed methamphetamine from a sippy cup within their shared residence. Despite the seriousness, the adults delayed seeking medical help for several hours, according to officials.

Those arrested include Hayden Simmons, 21, Damien Windham, 21, Erica Catherine Foley, 45, and Judith Addison, 79. Each faces a charge of child neglect resulting in significant harm, as reported by the authorities. The individuals were noted as permanent occupants of the home where the event transpired.

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office reported that they were alerted by the Florida Department of Children and Families on February 24 about a toddler who had ingested methamphetamine the day before, as per a statement from the sheriff’s office.

Investigations revealed that the 1-year-old had consumed from a sippy cup that, unbeknownst to the parents at the time, contained a bag. Another resident later confirmed that this bag was filled with methamphetamine.

The release further highlighted that, despite realizing the toddler might have been exposed to the drug, none of the residents or parents took immediate action to contact emergency services.

Instead, they decided to monitor the child overnight. When the toddler began vomiting later that evening, the mother drove the child to a nearby fire station to seek help.

The toddler was later admitted to a local hospital where they were treated for “a possible overdose,” authorities said.

Deputies executed a search warrant at the defendants’ home where they allegedly recovered drug paraphernalia, including several glass pipes and containers with methamphetamine residue. As a result of the search, Foley was charged with an additional count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

All four defendants were booked into the Nassau County Jail & Detention Center. Bonds for Simmons and Windham were set at just over $25,000.

Foley’s bond on the two charges was set at just over $12,000, while Addison’s was set at $5,002.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Steven M. Fahlgren issued a court order prohibiting the defendants from having contact with the toddler, records show. It was not immediately clear when the defendants were scheduled to appear in court again.

“This is a heartbreaking and completely preventable situation. A one-year-old child was exposed to a dangerous, illegal drug because the adults in that home failed to provide even the most basic level of care and protection,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said in a statement. “There is absolutely no excuse for methamphetamine to be within reach of a child.”