Fla. Mom Arrested After 2-Year-Old Child Showed Signs of 'Tweaking' on Narcotics: Police

A Florida mother was arrested after authorities say her 2-year-old child was exposed to drugs.

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office says Debra Scott, 29, brought her child to an emergency room, telling medical staff that the toddler was “acting crazy,” swinging her arms around and couldn’t sleep.

Police allege that the child was showing symptoms seen in adults who are “tweaking.” Upon further testing, it was suspected that the child was suffering from acute intoxication from exposure to methamphetamine or other stimulants. 

The child also tested positive for opiates.

Scott recently moved to Bronson, Fla., in Levy County with her child and another person, into a home previously known for drug activity, the sheriff’s office claims.

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According to police, Scott allegedly waited 12 hours after the child began showing symptoms before taking her to the hospital, and did not call 911, instead having a friend bring the toddler.

Scott was arrested on March 24, 2025, police said. WCJB reported that she was charged with felony child neglect. It is not immediately clear if she has entered a plea.

Police did not give an update on the child’s condition.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.