Three 1-year-old babies have been hospitalized after reportedly consuming THC-laced goldfish crackers while at a Virginia home day care. Now that day care owner has been charged.
The babies' parents noticed something was wrong with their children upon pickup from the day care. Per a news release from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, the babies appeared "lethargic" and displayed "uncoordinated behavior." The parents also said they had "glassy, bloodshot eyes."
The children were brought to the Stafford County Hospital.
At the hospital, it was "quickly recognized" that the toddlers were suffering from THC exposure. It was confirmed through tests. Officials determined that the common link was that the three children had all been at the same day care that day.
The day care belonged to 60-year-old Rebecca Swanner. Detective A. Sanchez searched the home and found the crackers, which were located near the toddlers' high chairs. The crackers were tested, and it was found that they were, in fact, laced with THC.
The sheriff's office said that once child protective services was alerted to the situation, the day care "voluntarily surrendered their license."
The owner also turned herself in to police Thursday. Swanner has been charged with three counts of cruelty and injury to children. She was released on a $2,000 unsecured bond.
Several neighbors expressed their total and complete shock about the incident. One told WUSA-9 that Swanner has had the day care for many years. "Everything has always been above board so this is totally, totally shocking," the neighbor said. He added that Swanner had an "outstanding reputation … as far as child care goes in the neighborhood, she's the go-to person."
