A 1-year-old Camden County child is recovering in a Jacksonville hospital after first responders used Narcan in what they suspected was an opioid overdose, and the child's mother is now facing a stack of felony charges tied to synthetic fentanyl found in the home.
Deputies say the child has been placed in protective custody while investigators continue processing the scene and sorting out exactly how fentanyl ended up in the infant's system.
Rescue and initial care
Camden County's 911 center got a call about an unresponsive child around 4 a.m. on July 13, and Kingsland Police Department officers arrived first, according to reporting by Action News Jax. Officers gave the infant one dose of Narcan to counter what they believed was an opioid overdose.
Camden County EMS then took the child to Southeast Georgia Health System's Camden campus, and the infant was later transferred to a Jacksonville hospital for additional treatment. Authorities say the child is now recovering.
Evidence seized at the home
First responders reported finding a small piece of aluminum foil with a white residue in the child's mouth. Testing of that residue came back positive for synthetic fentanyl, according to News4JAX.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for the residence. Deputies say they seized suspected illegal narcotics, controlled substances and drug-related paraphernalia, and on-site screening reportedly indicated multiple people inside the home tested positive. Medical testing also confirmed the child had an elevated fentanyl level, News4JAX reported.
Arrest and charges
Camden County deputies arrested Natalie Pierantonis and charged her with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession and use of drug-related objects, reckless conduct and cruelty to children in the second degree.
Sheriff Kevin Chaney told reporters there is "no excuse" for a 1-year-old child to have fentanyl in their system, and the sheriff's office says the investigation remains active, with the possibility of additional charges as more evidence is reviewed, according to News4JAX.
What the law says
Under Georgia law, cruelty to children in the second degree is a felony that carries a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison. Possession of a Schedule I substance such as fentanyl is also a felony, with penalties that depend on the amount and type of drug involved. Statutory details are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70 and O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30.
Broader context and resources
Public health data show nonfatal overdoses involving fentanyl have climbed in recent years, a reminder that potent synthetic opioids can turn up in homes as easily as on the street. The CDC has tracked trends in suspected fentanyl-involved emergency department visits, and the FDA notes that naloxone (Narcan) can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and is considered safe for people of all ages, including infants, when used as directed.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Georgia, contact the Division of Family and Children Services at DFCS or call the statewide hotline at 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-422-4453). In an emergency, call 911.
What’s next
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and have not released arraignment or bond information for Pierantonis. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Camden County Sheriff's Office. This story will be updated as deputies and prosecutors release additional details.
