Camden mother arrested following investigation into infant’s fentanyl exposure
Foil found in baby’s mouth
WOODBINE, GA – Natalie Pierantonis was arrested after her one-year-old child was found unconscious inside their Camden County residence during the early morning hours of July 13. At approximately 4:00 a.m., the Camden County E911 Center received a 911 call reporting the child was unresponsive, prompting an immediate response from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsland Police Department, and Camden County EMS.
Officers with the Kingsland Police Department were the first to arrive on scene and immediately administered one dose of Narcan to the child in an effort to reverse a suspected opioid overdose.
During their initial assessment, first responders observed a small piece of aluminum foil containing a white residue inside the child’s mouth. Camden County EMS arrived and transported the child to Southeast Georgia Health System Camden Campus for emergency medical treatment.
The child was later transferred to a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where they remain hospitalized and are continuing to recover.
Camden County Sheriff’s Office investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence. During the execution of the warrant, investigators located and seized suspected illegal narcotics, controlled substances, and drug-related paraphernalia.
The white residue recovered from the aluminum foil was tested and yielded a positive result for synthetic fentanyl.
The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) also responded to assist with the investigation. Drug screening conducted at the residence reportedly indicated that the occupants tested positive for multiple controlled substances. Medical testing further confirmed the child had a significantly elevated level of fentanyl in their system.
As a result of the investigation, Pierantonis was arrested and charged with: Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession and Use of Drug Related Objects (Misdemeanor), Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance (Felony), Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (Felony), and Reckless Conduct (Misdemeanor).
The child has been placed into protective care and is no longer in the custody of the mother.
Sheriff Kevin Chaney stated, “There is no excuse—none—for a one-year-old child to have fentanyl in their system. 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.
“If you choose drugs over your children, you should expect to answer for those decisions.
“Camden County will not tolerate adults who expose innocent children to dangerous narcotics orforce them to live in environments poisoned by addiction and criminal behavior.
“Let this case serve as a warning: if our investigators find evidence that a child has beenendangered by illegal drugs, we will pursue every applicable criminal charge and work with our partners to ensure those children are protected. Our mission is simple; we will protect children, and we will aggressively pursue those who put them in harm’s way.”
This investigation remains active, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
