Nashville Parents Charged with Exposing Infant Children to Cocaine

On Monday, June 24th, 2024, Nashville, Tennessee witnessed a shocking crime. Two parents, Vickie Easley and Maurice Harrison Jr., were arrested after their infant children tested positive for cocaine, according to an arrest warrant.

Initial Encounter with Law Enforcement

The string of events began over the weekend when officers on Trinity Lane were flagged down by Easley, who claimed that she needed medical assistance for her one-year-old child. Harrison, the child’s father, revealed to the officers that the child had been exposed to “crack cocaine.”

In light of this revelation, both Easley and Harrison’s one-year-old and the three-month-old infant were immediately transported to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, as stated in the arrest records.

Health Condition of the Infants

Upon further assessment, the one-year-old boy showed worrying signs and adverse effects consistent with drug exposure. The child reportedly endured an elevated heart rate, enlarged pupils, and was excessively “fidgety” and irritable, as per the police report. However, the three-month-old infant did not display any immediate signs of exposure.

Results from Drug Screen

Subsequently, drug screen results from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital uncovered that both children had tested positive for cocaine. This shocking reveal further complicated the incident.

Search of Parent’s Vehicle & Interview

A search conducted of the parents’ vehicle found two plastic baggies that are typically used to pack narcotics; these too tested positive for cocaine. According to their statements, both Easley and Harrison were unaware of how the illegal substances had found their way into their vehicle. They justified their ignorance by stating that they had had several individuals in the vehicle recently.

Parents’ Drug Test and Arrest

In a subsequent turn of events, a voluntary drug test was conducted with the Department of Children’s Services investigators. The results revealed that both parents had also tested positive for cocaine. Post these revelations, law enforcement officials charged Maurice Harrison Jr. with child neglect – exposing a child to a controlled substance, and Vickie Easley with aggravated child neglect.

Stay Connected for More Updates

Stay connected for further updates on this disturbing case of parental neglect and drug abuse in our community. To have push alerts sent directly to your phone or tablet, download the FREE news app. Remain vigilant and stay informed; together, we can make Nashville a safer home for everyone.

© 2024, Terms EEO FCC FCC Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Cookie Preferences