New Jersey couple charged after toddler tests positive for meth, fentanyl, police say

A New Jersey couple is facing child abuse charges after police said a 2-year-old boy tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to the Burlington County Times and KYW-TV, prosecutors announced Wednesday that Mount Holly residents Ray Drayton and Melissa R. Wilkerson, both 36, face charges of aggravated assault, child endangerment and child cruelty and neglect in the case.

On Jan. 13, first responders arrived at the couple's home after receiving a call about an unresponsive 2-year-old, the Times reported. The child, later identified as Drayton's son, appeared to be suffering from a drug overdose and was having trouble breathing, police said.

Crews rushed the toddler to a nearby hospital and gave him Narcan, the news outlets reported. He was later taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment of brain swelling and is listed in critical condition, officials said.

Authorities said drug tests found meth and fentanyl in the boy's system, according to the Times. Investigators believe the child had gotten hold of a cotton ball that had been in contact with the drugs, the newspaper reported.

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