Nashville Mother Charged After Baby’s Fentanyl Exposure
Nashville, Tenn. — A local mother finds herself in a troubling situation after her youngest child, just 8 months old, tested positive for fentanyl. This unfortunate incident has raised some serious concerns about child safety and drug exposure in homes.
It all began when the **8-month-old** was taken to Centennial Pediatrics on September 7, after showing signs of drug exposure. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived promptly and had to administer **Narcan**—a lifesaving drug used to reverse opioid overdoses. In addition to administering Narcan, EMS also performed CPR right there at the scene. Thankfully, these quick actions brought the baby back to safety, showcasing the incredible work done by first responders.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff noted that a piece of paper found with the baby had tested positive for fentanyl. This revelation not only shocked the hospital staff but also suggested a serious incident of negligence had occurred.
Mother’s Claims and Actions
The mother, identified as Shanella Mateen, was interviewed by officers at the hospital. She claims that she does not allow drugs in her home, stating, “We don’t do drugs here.” However, once the Department of Children’s Services conducted testing, it revealed that she had fentanyl in her system, contradicting her assertions. Despite claiming that she only smoked marijuana and occasionally used suboxone strips, the presence of fentanyl raised alarms for authorities.
Body camera footage revealed concerning evidence—a **plate with a powdery substance** was discovered on a table near where the baby was sleeping alongside his two older brothers, aged 3 and 6. Officers also found more powder in the kitchen area. This raises questions about the environment in which the children were living.
Alarming Dispatcher Notes
Interestingly, dispatcher notes from the incident show that Mateen stated the baby possibly overdosed on fentanyl. This information is vital as it suggests that she was aware of the dangerous substance’s presence in her home. If true, this indicates a grave level of negligence and points to the risk posed to her children.
Legal Consequences
In light of the incident, **Mateen** faces some serious legal repercussions. She has been charged with **four counts of aggravated child endangerment**. These charges extend not only to the baby who was exposed to fentanyl but also to her unborn child and her two other young children. It’s a situation that highlights the growing concern over children’s safety in relation to substance abuse.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ensuring a safe environment for children, particularly in households where drugs may be present. The dangers associated with substance exposure can have irreversible effects on young lives. The Nashville community will be paying close attention to the developments of this case as it unfolds.
As the situation progresses, it is crucial to advocate for the safety and protection of children while recognizing the complex challenges families face with substance use. Let’s hope that this serves as a wake-up call to those who may not fully understand the risks involved.
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