Drug-Addicted Couple Arrested for Mistreating Baby Born at Medford Residence
Medford police say a fentanyl-addicted woman admitted to secretly giving birth at home instead of at a hospital last month because she feared Oregon child-protective workers would take custody of the newborn, just like they'd done with her three other children, whom she said also had had drugs in their systems. Acting on a tip Monday, the Oregonian reports police arrived at the home of the baby's mother and father -- Samantha Michelle Davis and Mitra Osho Orescan -- to find the 12-day-old in such dire condition that a nurse who later assessed him estimated he likely was a few days away from death. The baby weighed less than 4.5 pounds and had a gray skin tone, a "severe festering diaper rash" and infections in his mouth, eyes and thumb, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police said they also found a baggie with fentanyl next to the baby's pacifier. On Tuesday, police arrested Davis and Orescan, both 34, on allegations of first-degree criminal mistreatment and fentanyl possession. Davis also was charged with first- and second-degree assault, supplying contraband and cocaine possession. The last two charges appear to be related to the alleged discovery of drugs that a deputy at the Jackson County Jail said Davis hid in her body and bra. Davis remains in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail, while Orescan was released due to overcrowding.
Posted on 10/11/24 6:18AM by Sam Marsh