Sonora Couple Arrested For Felony Child Endangerment

SPD photo

Sonora, CA – A call from local hospital officials to the Sonora Police Department regarding a toddler being treated for eating marijuana resulted in a Sonora couple being arrested for child endangerment.

On Thursday (10/3) night, Sonora Police got a call from Adventist Health Sonora Emergency Room personnel reporting that a toddler being treated may be under the influence of a drug. Investigators believe the child had likely ingested marijuana and that was proven when the child tested positive for THC.

A search of the couple’s Greenley Road residence found the toddler and other young children had access to marijuana throughout the home along with other unsanitary conditions, not specified by police. The couple, 24-year-old Brionna S. Watkins and 21-year-old Nicholas Macias, were arrested for felony child endangerment and he was also charged with violating the terms of his probation.

“Marijuana (Cannabis) is legal to possess in California for adults aged 21 and over,” stated police. “However, it should be treated as any other drug or medicine and should be kept out of reach of children. Ingestion of marijuana can create severe symptoms for small children.”

Police gave no update on the condition of the sick child. All the children living in the home were taken into protective custody.