Parents charged after toddler consumes meth, deputies say

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Two parents are facing charges after investigators say their toddler son ingested methamphetamine.

Hall County Sheriff officials say Brenda Chadale Jones, 28, of Gainesville, and Joshua Starley, 31, are charged with felony child cruelty.

Authorities said deputies responded to a domestic violence call at the couple’s home in the 3300 block of High View Court on July 23. They said Jones told deputies her son was acting strangely and may have inadvertently consumed the drug.

The child was rushed to a hospital, where it was determined he had consumed the drug, left unsecured in the house, deputies said.

"This was a very serious situation for the child," Davidson said. "You're talking about methamphetamine. Very dangerous drug for anybody, but particularly for a 3-year-old child. It could have turned out much worse."

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Lora Davidson, a neighbor of two parents, said she was upset that a 3-year-old boy who lives down the street, somehow got his hands on methamphetamine and ingested it.

"It's very heartbreaking," Davidson said. "I can only imagine what was going on."

Some neighbors said they suspected something was going on at the house before the incident.

Channel 2's Tom Regan spoke with Jones, who released the following statement:

"I want to let everyone know these allegations are false. I love my son very much, and did everything in my power to let law enforcement and emergency services know of my sons condition. I tried to take care of him and had no phone or keys, and was a victim July 23rd as well. Officers originally didn't charge me who were there, these charges occurred after DFCS filed a petition with the court for custody on August 10th. My deepest regret is allowing people in my home who didn't regard my child's safety. I would have never thought someone would be so careless around my children, but have learned my lesson. My son is fine, and I will fight through the fire and high waters for my children. I am a good mom, and will be taking this to trial. Please remember I'm innocent, until proven guilty and instead of judging - please pray for our family. Thank you!"

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