A Key Largo man is facing a child neglect charge after deputies say a 12-year-old, left in charge of a younger sibling, ended up in the hospital from ingesting the contents of a THC vape cartridge. The older child was treated at Mariners Hospital and later released to a relative, while the suspect was taken into custody, according to authorities.
Deputies Identify Suspect And Detail What Happened
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by CBS News, identified the suspect as 35-year-old Luis Enrique Pesante. He was arrested Sunday and charged with child neglect.
According to deputies, the 12-year-old swallowed the contents of a THC vape pen at about 10:30 a.m., which left the child incapacitated and unable to care for the younger sibling. A family member called 911, and paramedics brought the child to Mariners Hospital. Both children were later released into the custody of a family member, and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, the sheriff’s office said.
Why Doctors And Poison Centers Warn Parents
Health officials say concentrated cannabis products used in vape pens and edibles can hit kids harder than adults, with potentially stronger and delayed effects. In children, that can include drowsiness, slowed breathing and other serious symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that high-THC products can have delayed or unpredictable effects, which increases the risk of overdose or poisoning. A peer-reviewed analysis in Pediatrics found sharp increases in unintentional edible-related exposures among young children in recent years, a trend public health officials say highlights the importance of secure storage and childproofing.
Charges And What Comes Next
Pesante was booked into jail and is expected to appear in Monroe County court as prosecutors review the case and decide whether to pursue any additional charges. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public arrests portal where residents can check bookings and follow case updates.
How To Keep Kids Safe Around Cannabis Products
Officials and toxicology experts recommend storing all cannabis products, including vape pens and cartridges, locked up and well out of reach of children, and not assuming that any packaging is fully childproof.
If a child may have been exposed, contact the national Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or visit PoisonHelp.org for immediate guidance and next steps.
