A Kearney woman in Nebraska is facing child abuse charges after her newborn tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine.
Prosecutors have filed charges of child abuse resulting in bodily injury against 34-year-old Jessica Hernandez.
Nebraska Mother Accused of Child Abuse After Baby Tests Positive for Meth, Cocaine THREE YEARS IS NOT ENOUGH IF CONVICTED https://t.co/P3rOjwHgWo
— mhdude1 (@Mhdude1Mhdude1) January 8, 2024
The charges stem from a blood test revealing trace amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine in the baby's system.
According to court records cited by 10 11 Now, Hernandez gave birth to the baby at home on December 26, 2023. Emergency responders were called to the scene when the infant experienced difficulty breathing.
The baby was taken to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital. Law enforcement reported that Hernandez and the baby's father were uncooperative, with Hernandez refusing a blood test.
Tests conducted on the baby's blood, urine, and a section of the umbilical cord revealed the presence of drugs.
The newborn was placed in a neonatal intensive care unit, requiring a feeding tube and a CPAP machine to aid breathing.
Hernandez was arrested on Thursday and is currently held at the Buffalo County Detention Center.
A hearing on the charges is pending in Buffalo County Court as of Friday morning. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison.
Jessica Hernandez, 34, faces charges of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and was arrested on Thursday. She is currently held at the Buffalo County Detention Center.
Emergency responders were summoned to the home due to the baby experiencing respiratory difficulties after birth. The infant was transported to CHI Good Samaritan Hospital. Law enforcement noted that Hernandez and the baby's father were uncooperative, with Hernandez declining a blood test.
Examinations conducted on the baby's blood, urine, and a segment of the umbilical cord revealed the presence of amphetamines, methamphetamine and cocaine. The newborn required care in a neonatal intensive care unit, equipped with a feeding tube and a CPAP machine to aid breathing.
As of Friday morning, a hearing on the child abuse charges against Hernandez was pending in Buffalo County Court. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison.
The disturbing situation has startled citizens in the community, with local law enforcement and other officials working to care of the infant's safety and deal with the concerns related to the child's mother in the serious case.
