By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter
A Live Oak woman was arrested on a child abuse charge for allegedly using illegal drugs while pregnant, a case that may be a first for Suwannee County.
Lt. Wayne Musgrove of the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office said 24-year-old Penelope Clark Fortescue took oxycodone "during her nine-month pregnancy." He said the baby was born hooked on the drug, which is the basis of the child abuse charge.
"This is, I guess, a pilot case," said Musgrove. "There's never been a charge in this area that I know of."
He said the baby "had to be weaned off the drug for about two weeks at Shands in Gainesville."
The baby was born in late December. Musgrove said he started his investigation Jan. 12 after receiving an anonymous call. Fortescue was arrested Feb. 22.
Musgrove said other investigations may be in the works.
"We are now looking at anyone using drugs during pregnancy and filing charges against them," he said.
