MARION—Brittani N. Cooper, a 33-year-old resident of Marion, has pleaded guilty to one count of endangering children, a fourth-degree felony, during her appearance before Judge Warren T. Edwards on June 23 in Marion County Common Pleas Court. The plea comes after an investigation into an alarming incident involving the newborn child of Cooper, who tested positive for fentanyl and methadone shortly after birth.
Cooper’s guilty plea follows the terms of a plea agreement, which stipulates that she could face a prison term of 18 months along with a $5,000 fine. Furthermore, upon her release from prison, she will be placed under community control for a specified period.
The troubling chain of events began in November 2022 when Cooper gave birth to a baby boy at Marion General Hospital. Medical tests revealed the presence of fentanyl and methadone in the newborn’s system, leading to a diagnosis of fetal drug exposure. The infant also experienced the distressing effects of drug withdrawal, adding to the gravity of the situation.
Marion Prosecutor Ray Grogan’s office took immediate action in collaboration with the Marion-Metrich Drug Task Force (MARMET) and the Marion Police Department. A comprehensive investigation was launched to gather evidence and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the infant’s drug exposure.
In a news release, Grogan stated, “After detectives questioned Cooper, she admitted to using fentanyl just a month prior to her son’s birth.” The admission further underscored the seriousness of the case and highlighted the potential consequences of substance abuse during pregnancy.
Following her admission, Cooper was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Multi-County Correctional Center in Marion. She will remain in custody until her sentencing hearing, scheduled for July 17, where Judge Edwards will determine her fate based on the plea agreement and additional factors presented during the proceedings.