Cocaine found in baby’s system
Published 10:53 am Saturday, April 24, 2010
FRANKLIN—A 21-year-old Franklin woman was arrested Thursday after cocaine was found in her 7-month-old daughter’s system.
Franklin police spokesman Lt. Tim Whitt said officers assisted the Franklin Department of Social Services with the removal of two children from Megan Banton’s apartment in the 300 block of Artis Street on Wednesday.
“We just went up there to assist them,” Whitt said.
The two children subsequently received medical examinations. Cocaine was found in the system of a 7-month-old girl, the younger of the two. Police were notified and began an investigation.
Whitt said a search warrant was served at the home on Thursday. Officers seized items consistent with narcotics use from the residence and an arrest warrant was issued for Banton, who wasn’t home when the search warrant was executed.
Banton surrendered to police Thursday evening and was charged with felony child neglect. Whitt didn’t have any information about the children’s father and said Banton could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Banton was taken to the Western Tidewater Regional Jail, where she remained in custody Friday afternoon.