The mother and grandfather of a 14-year-old boy are suspected of smoking methamphetamine near the teenager’s bedroom, which resulted in him testing positive for the stimulant.
Corinne Irene Gomez, 32, and her father, 59-year-old Jerry Marquez, are each charged with a third-degree felony count of child abuse.
Las Cruces Police investigators learned that the 14-year-old boy sought medical attention for migraine headaches on June 28. Subsequent examinations on the teen indicated that he tested positive for methamphetamine.
Investigators learned from Gomez that the teens bedroom, at his grandparents’ home, is near the garage. Gomez also indicated that Marquez, her father, and his friends regularly smoke methamphetamine in the garage.
Upon further investigation, detectives learned that both Gomez and Marquez have been smoking methamphetamine in the garage. Both suspects submitted samples and both tested positive for high levels of methamphetamine which is indicative of prolonged use of the drug.
It’s well known that children exposed to methamphetamine smoke can test positive for the drug. Methamphetamine can enter the body through direct contact, or ingested through the mouth or nose.
Warrants were issued for the arrests of Gomez and Marquez. They were both arrested late Wednesday evening and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where they are initially being held without bond.
Information from Las Cruces Police