UNION COUNTY, N.C. (TCD) — A 28-year-old mother stands accused of intentionally overdosing her young children for months.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office first began the investigation in March after Sarah Jones’ 8-year-old and 9-year-old children were admitted to a hospital with “symptoms of a narcotics overdose.” Medical staff determined the victims had consumed a substantial amount of prescription drugs, including tramadol and Benadryl. The children reportedly required medical treatment for “potentially life-threatening injuries” as a result.
Further investigation revealed Jones allegedly overdosed her children in what the sheriff’s office called “intentional and malicious” acts. Deputies also allege Jones had intentionally overdosed her children in a “pattern of abuse spanning several months” and this hospital stay was not the first incident.
On June 5, officials arrested Jones on two counts of felony child abuse — negligent omission resulting in serious bodily injury, and she was booked into the Union County Detention Center. She was released on $25,000 bond.
Jones told WSOC-TV the charges are a mistake and that she “only gave them their prescriptions, prescribed meds, and dosage.”
According to the sheriff’s office, the victims are in custody with foster care and are recovering from their injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.