Woman Charged After Twins Exposed to Methadone

Nov 20

A Minneapolis woman is charged with two felony counts of child endangerment after twin toddlers collapsed hours apart inside a residence last Sunday.

Hospital testing later confirmed both children had ingested methadone, a powerful opioid medication used to treat addiction and severe pain.

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According to the charges, investigators say 56-year-old Tracey Andrea Flex was babysitting the two-year-old girls on Nov. 16 when she called for help shortly before 2:50 pm, reporting that one of the twins was unconscious and struggling to breathe. Medics arrived at the home and rushed the child to HCMC, where she was admitted to intensive care in critical condition.

A little over two hours later, police and EMS returned to the same address after the second twin was found unresponsive. Paramedics noted the child wasn’t breathing and had pinpoint pupils. She received Narcan on scene and her condition improved as she was taken to the hospital. Doctors told investigators her rapid improvement suggested she had ingested an opioid.

Hospital tests later confirmed both children had methadone in their systems. One child’s condition improved significantly after treatment and she is expected to survive. The other remains in critical condition and, according to the complaint, her prognosis is grim. Methadone is a Schedule II controlled substance that can cause unconsciousness, restricted pupils and respiratory failure when taken in dangerous amounts.

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The children’s father had left them in Flex’s care earlier in the day, investigators said. Flex was identified as the 911 caller in both emergencies.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the home that evening. Police seized dishes, utensils, children’s cups, food items, a white powder from the couch and Flex’s purse. Inside the purse, officers found two glass pipes with black residue consistent with narcotics use along with three prescription bottles, including methadone. Drug testing on the seized items is pending.

A warrant was issued Tuesday and she was taken into custody shortly after. Bail is set at $60,000. Each child-endangerment charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

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