Baby Stopped Breathing After Fentanyl Exposure In Brentwood Home, Prosecutors Say

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Brentwood man is facing felony charges after an 8-month-old infant in his care suffered fentanyl poisoning and required emergency Narcan to survive, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Henry Martinez, 21, was arrested last week and charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.

Infant Found Unresponsive After 911 Call

According to prosecutors, Martinez called 911 on November 12 at around 11:05 a.m., reporting that an infant in his care was unresponsive and not breathing. When first responders arrived, they found the baby in severe respiratory distress. Her breathing had stopped, and her skin had begun turning blue due to lack of oxygen, authorities said.

Paramedics revived the infant on the way to Good Samaritan Hospital, where doctors administered Narcan to reverse the suspected effects of fentanyl exposure, prosecutors said. The child survived.

“The dangers of fentanyl are evident in what we see every day, but the disregard for keeping this baby out of harm’s way is truly egregious,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “Thankfully, she received the necessary medical care to prevent further tragedy. We will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office to pursue those responsible for putting lives at risk with this deadly drug.”

Prosecutors: Martinez Snorted Fentanyl Next To Baby On A Bed

An investigation later revealed that Martinez had reportedly snorted fentanyl powder using a plastic straw while the baby was lying next to him on a bed, Tierney’s office said. After ingesting the drug, he lay down again beside the infant while still holding the straw containing fentanyl residue, exposing the child to the substance, the DA said.

During a court-authorized search of the home, detectives recovered fentanyl on Martinez’s bedroom floor, four digital scales, packaging materials, and a cellphone believed to have been used to purchase the drugs, prosecutors said.

"The alleged use of fentanyl in the presence of an eight-month-old infant, resulting in the child suffering respiratory distress and requiring emergency Narcan treatment, demonstrates a shocking disregard for the safety and welfare of a vulnerable child," Tierney said in a statement.

Court Appearance And Bail Decision

Martinez was arraigned on November 13 before District Court Judge Eric Sachs. Prosecutors requested bail be set at $300,000 cash or $600,000 bond, but the judge released Martinez to supervised release, the DA said.

Martinez is due back in court on November 24. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to seven years in prison, prosecutors said.

He is represented by attorney John Caffrey, who could not immediately respond for comment.