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Largo woman arrested after toddler ingests methadone

 
Published June 24, 2012

LARGO — A 24-year-old woman was arrested Monday after her 14-month-old son ingested methadone, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said. Debra Denae Barberee of Largo knew her toddler had eaten the drug but failed to get medical help for several hours Sunday, deputies said. When the boy finally received medical attention, he was not breathing and was unconscious. He was taken to Mease Countryside Hospital and later transferred to All Children's Hospital, where his condition was stable Monday. Doctors summoned police Sunday after finding methadone in the child's system, authorities said. Barberee was arrested at her home at 3535 Camelia Place on Monday. She was charged with child neglect and violation of probation. She was on probation for possession of a controlled substance.