A late-night knock on a Leesburg neighbor’s door ended with a babysitter in handcuffs and a small child in the hospital, according to police. The child, who had been left in an otherwise empty home, showed up at the neighbor’s around 1 a.m. asking for help and was later found to have THC in their system after being taken to UF Health Leesburg, authorities said. Investigators allege the babysitter left THC gummies and CBD oil within reach before heading to her boyfriend’s house and leaving the child alone.
What police say
According to an arrest affidavit, 30-year-old Maribel Katiusca Plaza dropped the child off at the family’s home at about 8 p.m., even though no other adults were present. At some point later that night, police say Plaza left the residence to spend the night at her boyfriend’s place.
The neighbor who answered the door around 1 a.m. told officers the child appeared weak, sick, and in a lethargic state after reportedly falling from a bed. The child was taken to UF Health Leesburg, where medical staff confirmed a positive THC test, according to hospital reports cited in the affidavit.
Plaza told officers she had left CBD oil and THC gummies inside the house, including in a bathroom cabinet and the kitchen freezer. She was booked into the Lake County Jail on accusations of child abuse and neglect, according to FOX 35 Orlando.
Why edibles are especially risky for young kids
Medical literature notes that a single infused gummy often contains roughly 10 mg of THC. For a small child, even two gummies can pack a serious punch and may lead to slowed heart rate, blood-pressure changes, seizures and breathing problems, according to Pediatrics.
Recent peer-reviewed reviews and poison-center data show that pediatric exposures and hospitalizations linked to edible cannabis products have climbed in the past several years, a trend clinicians tie to both the growing availability and high potency of many edibles (PMC).
Charges and legal note
Plaza was booked into the Lake County Jail on accusations of child abuse and neglect, according to local reporting. Under Florida law, “abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of a child” is codified in Florida Statute 827.03, as outlined in the Florida Statutes, and penalties vary with the severity of harm alleged.
Prevention and resources
Pediatricians and toxicology experts recommend treating cannabis products the same way you would prescription pills or cleaning chemicals: locked up, in child-resistant containers, and out of sight and reach. Experts say any suspected exposure should be taken seriously.
If a child becomes unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, has trouble breathing, experiences a seizure, or otherwise appears unwell after a possible exposure, call 911 and Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Clinical guidance and poison-center reviews provide criteria for when emergency care is necessary (PMC).
