CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Ross County mother, Whitney Caplinger, has been indicted on felony charges after her child was taken to the hospital in September of 2023 for ingesting methamphetamine.
The incident occured on September 14, 2023, when the young child was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center. The child, according to the police report, exhibited potential overdose symptoms, including flailing arms and dilated pupils. Upon examination, both urine and blood samples were collected, revealing the presence of methamphetamine in the child’s system.
The child was eventually transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus for further treatment.
In the police report, Caplinger claimed that her daughter had been under the care of a babysitter at another residence for a few days before returning home seemingly unaffected. Per the report, the child did not start exhibiting symptoms until 2:00 a.m., prompting Caplinger to seek medical assistance.
Caplinger told police that she had never witnessed any individuals using illegal drugs.
As a result of the incident, Ross County Children’s Services removed the child from Caplinger’s custody.
If convicted, Whitney Caplinger could face up to five years in prison on charges of felony child endangerment.