Camden County Mother Arrested After 1-Year-Old Found With Fentanyl Exposure
WOODBINE, Ga. A Camden County woman is facing multiple felony charges after her 1-year-old child was found unconscious with fentanyl in their system, prompting an early morning emergency response and a narcotics investigation, according to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded at approximately 4 a.m. on July 13 when the Camden County E911 Center received a 911 call reporting that a 1-year-old child was unresponsive inside a residence.
Officers with the Kingsland Police Department were the first to arrive and immediately began lifesaving efforts. Believing the child was suffering from a possible opioid overdose, officers administered one dose of Narcan, an emergency medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
While assessing the child, first responders discovered a small piece of aluminum foil containing a white powdery residue inside the child’s mouth.
Camden County EMS arrived shortly afterward and transported the child to Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus. Due to the seriousness of the child’s condition, the child was later transferred to a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where officials said the child remains hospitalized and is continuing to recover.
Investigators with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence and secured a search warrant. During the search, deputies recovered suspected illegal narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia from inside the home.
Authorities said the white residue found on the aluminum foil tested positive for synthetic fentanyl. Medical testing also confirmed the child had a significantly elevated level of fentanyl in their system.
The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services responded to assist with the investigation. Investigators also reported that drug screenings conducted at the residence indicated the occupants tested positive for multiple controlled substances.
Following the investigation, deputies arrested Natalie Pierantonis and charged her with:
- Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance
- Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects
- Second-Degree Cruelty to Children
- Reckless Conduct
Authorities said the child has since been placed in protective care and is no longer in Pierantonis’ custody.
Camden County Sheriff Kevin Chaney praised the actions of the responding officers and emergency personnel, saying their quick response likely saved the child’s life.
“There is no excuse, none, for a one-year-old child to have fentanyl in their system,” Chaney said. “Our deputies, investigators and our law enforcement partners witnessed a scene that no child should ever endure. Thanks to the quick actions of the Kingsland Police Department, our deputies and our emergency medical personnel, this child is alive today.”
Chaney also issued a warning to anyone exposing children to illegal drugs.
“If you choose drugs over your children, you should expect to answer for those decisions,” he said. “Camden County will not tolerate adults who expose innocent children to dangerous narcotics or force them to live in environments poisoned by addiction and criminal behavior.”
The sheriff added that investigators will pursue every applicable criminal charge in cases where children are endangered by illegal drug activity and will continue working with child welfare officials to protect vulnerable children.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. The Camden County Sheriff’s Office said additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming as investigators continue to examine the evidence.
