Background: The Alachua County Sheriff”s Office in Gainesville, Fla. (Google Maps). Inset: Jalyn Brownworth (Alachua County Sheriff’s Office).
Jalyn Brownworth, 32, faces charges of child neglect after authorities discovered her baby had methamphetamine exposure symptoms. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook that Brownworth’s arrest took place on April 9. Hospital staff had alerted authorities upon suspecting the infant’s exposure to illegal drugs, prompting the involvement of the Department of Children and Families and a subsequent investigation.
Brownworth reportedly took her baby to the hospital after observing alarming changes in behavior. During the medical evaluation, staff suspected the child had been in contact with a harmful substance.
Further examination confirmed the infant tested positive for methamphetamine. Investigators found that Brownworth had prepared her baby’s formula using water that had been contaminated. This water had previously been used to clean syringes employed for methamphetamine use.
The infant is reportedly stable and on the road to recovery, though specific details about the child’s custody remain undisclosed. Court records indicate that upon her release, Brownworth was prohibited from contacting her child.
According to police, the baby was reported to be in stable condition and recovering. Authorities did not provide details on who has custody. Online court records showed that Brownworth was ordered not to make contact with the baby upon her release from jail.
Brownworth was arrested and charged with child neglect with no bodily harm. She is currently in custody at the Alachua County Jail, where she is being held on $20,000 bond, according to reporting by local ABC affiliate WCJB. Her next court date was not immediately available.
