Two From Leesburg Facing Neglect Charges After Infant Overdoses At Residence
Staff Report
Jason Erin Myers
Jessica Marie Myers
LEESBURG – Two people from Leesburg are facing child neglect charges after an infant allegedly overdosed on drugs at their residence.
Jessica Marie Myers, 38, 14 EMS B6A Lane, Leesburg, is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 3 felony; possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, and maintaining a common nuisance, all level 6 felonies; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.
Jason Erin Myers, 40, 14 EMS B6A Lane, Leesburg, is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a level 3 felony; possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe, and maintaining a common nuisance, all level 6 felonies; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor; and possession of marijuana with a prior drug conviction, a class A misdemeanor.
On Oct. 20, a Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a report of an unresponsive infant at a Leesburg residence. Upon the deputy’s arrival, the infant was conscious and breathing.
According to court documents, North Webster EMS told the deputy they believed the infant overdosed on fentanyl, with Narcan being used two times on the child.
A woman said she took the child to the residence for a birthday and that Jason, the homeowner, retrieved some colored pens for the children to use. The woman noticed the infant was given one of the pens and immediately went to take it away.
After taking the pen, the woman noticed the child became extremely tired and had labored breathing. The infant was taken to a local hospital, where they tested positive for fentanyl.
Additional officers were requested to secure the residence. When officers arrived, they heard people running around the home and believed adults in the residence were allegedly attempting to destroy evidence. Icy M. Nine and Jacob L. Watkins, both of Leesburg, were located inside the home.
Law enforcement also observed Jessica and Jason enter and exit the home several times and leave. Officers later discovered Jessica and Jason contacted Watkins and Nine and told them not to answer the door and hide.
Upon searching the home’s living room, officers found a pen with fentanyl residue, 18.7 grams of marijuana, vaping cartridges, and drug paraphernalia.
In Jessica and Jason’s bedroom, officers found approximately 15-20 syringes, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl.
Two children at the home were taken into the custody of the Department of Child Services. One of the children said they slept in Jessica and Jason’s bedroom.
Upon searching Watkins’ cellphone, officers found evidence of drug conversations involving Watkins, Jessica, and Jason.
Jason was previously convicted of marijuana possession in September 2009 in Kosciusko County.
A warrant was issued for Jason’s arrest on Nov. 19. Jessica was booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on Dec. 11.
Watkins and Nine have both already been arrested. They have pretrial conferences on Jan. 8 in Kosciusko Superior Court One.