A 10-year-old boy barely survived a fentanyl overdose after authorities say his father and the father's girlfriend left copious amounts of the drug within reach in a Florida hotel room, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Background
Robert Dillard, 34, called 911 after finding his son unresponsive at the Quality Suites on Indian Paint Lane in Fort Myers, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit. When deputies arrived, they discovered the child unconscious with a faint pulse. Paramedics initially sprayed Narcan into his nose, and when that proved ineffective, administered the overdose-reversing drug intravenously.
The boy responded positively to treatment and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. A urine analysis confirmed fentanyl was in his system, though he was able to speak with investigators afterward and reportedly did not implicate his father in the incident.
Deputies spoke with the boy's mother, who told them she believed Dillard and his girlfriend, Tasianna Squires, 27, were using drugs. While searching the hotel room, authorities discovered drug paraphernalia and approximately 10 grams of fentanyl behind a refrigerator, according to the affidavit. Additional fentanyl was located in tote bags scattered throughout the room.
The Investigation
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno addressed the case in a statement, criticizing the alleged negligence that led to the child's exposure to the powerful opioid.
"Using and possessing these drugs is one thing — but leaving them within arm's reach of a child is a whole new level of negligence," Marceno said.
After receiving her Miranda rights, Squires allegedly admitted to using drugs but denied keeping them within reach of children. According to the affidavit, she provided vague details about the incident, claiming she and Dillard were outside the hotel room when the victim called out to them. She told investigators the boy coughed up a large amount of mucus and began having trouble breathing before Dillard called 911 and initiated CPR.
Squires claimed she did not know how the child would have ingested fentanyl and asserted any drugs found in the room belonged to Dillard, according to police.
"Tasianna did not seem concerned for the children's well-being, nor did she seem concerned about the large amount of narcotics," deputies noted in the affidavit.
Dillard declined to speak with investigators without an attorney present. The Lee County Sheriff's Office has referred the case to the Department of Children and Families.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Dillard, 34, and Tasianna Squires, 27, have been charged with child neglect and trafficking in fentanyl
- Approximately 10 grams of fentanyl were found throughout the hotel room, including behind a refrigerator and in tote bags
- The boy survived after paramedics administered multiple doses of Narcan
- Both suspects remain held at the Lee County Jail without bond
- The child's mother told investigators she believed Dillard and Squires were using drugs
What's Next
Dillard and Squires are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 14 for their next hearing. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together how the child gained access to the fentanyl.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is working with the Department of Children and Families regarding the welfare of the victim and any other minors who may have been present in the hotel room.