Arizona Couple Accused of Child Abuse After Cocaine Was Found In Their 4 Month Old Baby’s System
Two former TV reporters in Arizona are in trouble with the law after their 4-month-old child was found with cocaine in his system.
According to TucsonNews, the couple, Krystin Rae Lisaius, and Somchai P. Lisaius – both news personalities in the Tucson area were indicted on June 9 on three felony charges:
- Possession of a dangerous drug.
- Drug paraphernalia.
- Child abuse.
A public information officer for the Oro Valley Police Department says that the couple, after appearing in court on Monday, pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognisance.
Michael Piccarreta, Lisaius’ lawyer said: “It would be a gross, gross injustice [with] even the mention of prison time.”
“I anticipate they will demonstrate that they have learned a very hard, embarrassing lesson and that this will become a footnote in their life, not a chapter.”
According to the police statements:
They said they were alerted on the 15th of May after the couple brought the baby to the Oro Valley Hospital showing signs of distress and appeared lethargic.
They allegedly refused to allow a blood test on the baby, who was then transferred to Diamond Children’s Center at the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson by ambulance.
Arriving at the medical center, a urine test was conducted after the parents again allegedly refused a blood test. Toxicology results showed the presence of cocaine.
The 26-year-old mom later admitted to Oro Valley authorities that she ingested cocaine after a party at the couple’s home. She allegedly said she breastfed the child 12 hours later.
One of the couple’s friend identified only as “Thomas” told authorities that he allegedly watched Krystin “snort” the drug from the home’s master bathroom countertop after the party.
Thomas said he and Somchai allegedly also used cocaine during the evening. Police said Somchai allegedly confirmed the recent drug use and that he used cocaine every six weeks or so.
The child was released and put in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety but is staying with the baby’s maternal grandmother.
According to the court, Krystin was granted 24/7 contact with the baby, and Somchai is allowed to see the child for 12 hours a day, according to KAUZ 6.
Meanwhile, he also argues that this was the case of Krystin simply making a mistake because she didn’t know how long it would take for cocaine to leave her system.
“Hypothetically,” Piccarreta said, “if the child ingested cocaine through breast milk, then you gotta realize that there’s different understanding as to when a recreational drug will be out of your system.
“And if there’s a misjudgment as to how fast it’s out of your system, then it’s an error that has been learned. It won’t be repeated.”
Photo credit: KGUN 9 Tuscon News Now
They should be ashamed of themselves if they were on cracks during the pregnancy.
I can imagine….naughty parent
What is it with people and drugs that they don’t know when not to? Imagine taking coke and breastfeeding a 4 month old? Smh.
The baby should be taken from them
Y breastfeed when on drugs when they knew it will affect the baby. Evil
Shame on them
useless parents
Shame on them
WTF!!!!! They don’t deserve to raise that child please.