Newborn tests positive for drugs
A local woman was arrested on Thursday after her newborn son tested positive for drugs, officials said.
Rachel Nicole Gaudio, 28, 24 John Tyler Ave., Russellville, was charged with chemical endangerment of a child when her baby tested positive for oxycodone, Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said.
According to Hargett, representatives from the Franklin County Department of Human Resources contacted law enforcement on Tuesday after they received news from Helen Keller Hospital that a newborn child born on Aug. 9 was going through symptoms of withdrawals.
Hargett said hospital personnel administered a blood test and confirmed the baby boy had oxycodone in his system and was suffering from oxycodone withdrawals.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said they began an investigation into the allegations when they received the report on Tuesday.
“We talked with hospital personnel and obtained the toxicology report showing the baby tested positive for oxycodone,” Lowery said. “On Wednesday, we got the warrant for Gaudio’s arrest and she was taken into custody on Thursday.”
Lowery said during the investigation, Gaudio admitted to using Percocet, Lortabs, morphine and methadone while she was pregnant.
At a bond hearing on Thursday, Gaudio was given a $5,000 cash bond with the specifications that if she were able to post her bond, she could have no contact with the child until she was released by the court.
“This is just a very sad situation,” Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said. “Anytime we receive a report that a child has been born addicted to a controlled substance, my heart just breaks for the child that’s having to suffer because of the parent’s actions.
“I think Judge [Paula] McDowell sent a message by requiring a full cash bond and not allowing the mother any contact with the child that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated here.”
Officials said the infant was still in the hospital as of Friday and was still suffering from withdrawals.
Rushing said when the child is released from the hospital’s care, DHR will determine at that time where to place the child so he will not have any contact with Gaudio.
At press time, Gaudio was still in custody at the Franklin County Jail.
