ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – A woman in St. Charles has been indicted after her two-year-old son suffered from burns on his forehead, believed to be from a methamphetamine torch.
According to a probable cause statement, Emilie Held (age not provided) was woken up on July 29 to her son crying. She stated that it smelled like burning flesh, and when she reached her son, he had a large burn on his forehead with a torch lying by his feet.
The child was taken to the hospital. Samples concluded the two-year-old tested positive for methamphetamine. Held denied using the drug, as she said she gets drug tested regularly while on probation and suggested it may have come from the babysitter’s, which she knew had meth present.
Police searched through her household, finding methamphetamine, a torch, and glass pipe, which they suggested was likely used for meth.
Additionally, officials noted the condition of the home was “deplorable,” with ant and flea infestations throughout the kitchen, along with multiple torches, razor blades, and other drugs found. Held said that due to the infestations, she and her son were confined to sleep on the couch in the living room.
During the post-Miranda interview, Held admitted she had used meth four days prior to the incident.
Held is charged with endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. She is being held on a $25,000 cash-only bond. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 3.
