Mom made baby formula with water she used to clean her methamphetamine needles

A woman in Florida has been arrested after authorities say her infant was exposed to methamphetamine, leading to a hospital visit and a child neglect charge.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Jalyn Brownworth was taken into custody on April 9 after hospital staff raised concerns when an infant brought in for treatment showed signs consistent with drug exposure. Medical professionals contacted law enforcement as well as the Florida Department of Children and Families, prompting an investigation.

Investigators said Brownworth brought the baby to the hospital after noticing unusual changes in the child’s behavior. During the medical evaluation, staff suspected possible exposure to an illegal substance and conducted testing, which reportedly came back positive for methamphetamine.

Authorities say the source of the exposure was traced to the baby’s formula preparation. According to the investigation, Brownworth mixed formula using water that had been contaminated after being used to rinse hypodermic needles previously involved in methamphetamine use.

Officials reported that the infant was in stable condition and recovering at the hospital. Details regarding who has custody of the child have not been released publicly. Court records also indicate that Brownworth has been ordered not to have contact with the infant following her release from jail.

Brownworth remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail on a $20,000 bond. She is charged with child neglect without bodily harm. Her next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, according to local reporting.

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