Temecula Parents Charged After Baby Suffers Fentanyl Poisoning

TEMECULA, CA — A monthslong investigation into a Temecula mother and father revealed their 10-month-old baby ingested fentanyl as a result of their drug use, and now they are facing criminal charges, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced Thursday.

Alicia Leann Rubio, 31, and David Matthew Carmona, 33, were each charged with two counts of willful child cruelty and a sentencing enhancement of causing great bodily injury, according to court records.

Jail records show the two were out of custody on $75,000 bail each. They are slated to be arraigned on April 27.

According to the sheriff's department, Rubio and Carmona brought their unresponsive baby to a local hospital on Oct. 11, 2022.

Medical staff administered Narcan to the child, a medication used to reverse a fentanyl overdose. The treatment was successful. An update on the baby's condition was not provided.

Law enforcement was called to the hospital after the child’s urine tested positive for opiates.

During the investigation, it was determined that Rubio and Carmona were fentanyl users and their baby had ingested a portion of their stash. Bloodwork showed the parents and child all tested positive for fentanyl, according to the sheriff's department.

A search warrant was served at the family's home, which turned up 10 fentanyl-laced M-30 pills and paraphernalia, the agency reported.

It's not immediately clear who has custody of the child.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Master Investigator Cornett at 951-955-1700.