(Jonesboro, AR) A 36-year-old grandmother was arrested Wednesday after her 10-month-old granddaughter allegedly ingested meth.
A police report states Marsha Ann Stevens put her granddaughter to bed Tuesday night, only to hear the baby screaming ten minutes later.
The child’s mother, 20-year-old Courtney Leann Stevens, who was also home, called 911 when her child started throwing up.
Police said that when the ambulance arrived, Marsha Ann Stevens approached her daughter with a plastic baggie. Courtney Stevens told police she knows that her mother uses meth, but she herself does not.
The report stated the bag was wet and appeared to have been chewed on. Doctors confirmed to police that the child had meth in her system.
Police said that Marsha Ann Stevens had several arrests for possession of methamphetamine and was under active probation.
Now, she has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a minor, and introducing a controlled substance into another’s body.
Courtney Stevens was cited for endangering the welfare of a minor.
The baby was taken to St. Bernard’s Hospital and later airlifted to a children’s hospital in Little Rock.
The report shows the baby had seizures, had wide and dilated eyes, and could not stay still. A doctor told police the child had meth in her system.
Jonesboro police said that the child is now in stable condition.
Courtney Stevens told News Channel 3 the whole incident was an accident.
“They’re trying to make it like my baby swallowed a whole bag of dope, but no,” she said.
Neighbors had not heard the commotion overnight, but were appalled upon learning the story Wednesday.
“I don’t put anything past anybody anymore,” said neighbor Donna Veal. “All you can do is pray about it though.”
Veal said she hopes the child does not have to return to that house.
Police said the child is currently in the custody of the hospital and that custody decisions will be made at a later time.
Two other people at the house were also arrested, on unrelated warrants.
