Mother Gets Probation in Methadone Case

The mother of a 5-year-old boy who accidentally ingested methadone has pleaded guilty to neglect and reckless endangerment and will serve three years of probation. 

The Capital-Gazette reported that Kimberly Brooks, 26, of Severn, received an 18-month suspended sentence.

Her husband, Paul Brooks, already is serving 18 months in jail for a variety of offenses related to the incident, though he was acquitted of child abuse.  

Prosecutors sought jail time for Kimberly Brooks, who reportedly failed to heed the warnings of poison control workers who told her to take her son to the hospital. She and Paul Brooks called 911 only after the boy's condition deteriorated. The boy eventually recovered.

According to the Capital-Gazette, a judge ruled Kimberly Brooks' actions to be reckless, but not worthy of jail time. Kimberly Brooks has no prior criminal record. 

The young boy ingested the methadone after Paul Brooks purchased it in Baltimore and left it within the boy's reach in the car. 

Read the full report in the Capital-Gazette.

See also: 

• Man Acquitted of Child Abuse in Methadone Case