A couple from Arizona, both former local television news reporters, are making news. The Tucson mom and dad, Somchai and Krystin Lisaius, are facing three felony drug charges each after doctors found cocaine in their baby’s system. The drug was apparently ingested through the mother’s breast milk.

Although the parents brought the child to the hospital complaining that her eyes were rolling in the back of her head, she was limp, and she wouldn’t wake up, they were reportedly uncooperative. But that did not stop authorities from doing a toxicology screening on the baby, according to the Tucson Weekly.

Reportedly the local media figures brought their baby to the hospital but refused to allow a blood draw and wanted to leave with the child. They then agreed to allow the baby to be transferred to another facility, but at the next hospital, the couple refused a toxicology screen for their kid again.

Although it is not clear from local reports, it seems that the parents’ lack of cooperation raised suspicions. Initially the mother denied doing any cocaine but apparently at some point she did concede to snorting a line the previous day.

Representatives from the Office of Child Welfare Investigations and the Department of Child Safety were reportedly present when hospital staff did a toxicology screening and a urinalysis on the child, which revealed cocaine in the baby’s system. Police then obtained a search warrant and did a blood draw on mom.

Search and Seizure

The day after the parents brought their child to the hospital and aroused suspicions, authorities showed up at their house for a search. This time Somchai Lisaius was cooperative, giving them a key to the house and voluntarily submitting to the search. He even pointed out to police where they could find the cocaine in his home. Police reportedly found two small baggies of cocaine and paraphernalia around the house.

Bleaching the Evidence

According to Tucson Weekly, the urinalysis and lab tests for Krystin Lisaius both came back positive for cocaine whereas a test on her hair came back negative. The police report blames the absence of evidence in the hair on the mother’s habit of bleaching hers blond. So that is an added twist to the blonds-have-more-fun bit.

Their attorney told the Arizona Daily Star that this was an “isolated” incident. “Fortunately,” Michael Piccareta said, “when you get to the underlying facts, the facts are that these are excellent parents. The child is well taken care of, the child was never harmed and is responding beautifully.”

Accused?

If you have been charged with a crime, don’t delay to speak to a criminal defense attorney. Many lawyers consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case.

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Related Resources:

  • Find Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • State Cocaine Laws (Findlaw’s Learn About the Law)
  • Drug Possession Overview (Findlaw’s Learn About the Law)
  • Details on State Cocaine Laws (Findlaw’s Learn About the Law)

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