FORT SMITH, Ark. — A couple was arrested on April 8 after a hospital notified authorities their child had tested postive for THC, according to court documents.
Records show that 31-year-old Roy Casey and 31-year-old Kelli Casey of Fort Smith are facing charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and maintaining a premises for drug activity.
The affidavit reveals that on Feb. 7, 2025, the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) responded to a hospital regarding an unresponsive 1-year-old who was flown to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH).
The affidavit said hospital staff determined the child had “acute respiratory failure and secondary THC poisoning due to overdosing on THC.” The hospital also determined the THC in his system was “indicative of acute and long-term exposure.”
Interview
The affidavit states the Caseys were interviewed by detectives who confirmed neither had a medical marijuana card.
Kelli allegedly told police she went upstairs to get ready for work and when she came back down, the child was lethargic and bleeding from his nose and took him to the hospital.
When asked about THC, Kelli admitted her and Roy consumed it, but that “there was no way the child could have gotten into it,” because it was kept in their closet, the affidavit said. Roy also admitted to using THC but said there was no THC in the house when the child was found lethargic.
Search warrant
Officials were granted a search warrant for the couple’s home where they found 11 grams of marijuana, 20 THC liquid vape cartridges and two bongs with THC wax residue on the kitchen counter, according to court records. Among these findings were a rolling tray with two rubber containers holding THC wax in the kitchen area. The affidavit said detectives also noticed “a film of wax residue” on multiple items in the home.
The findings prompted authorities to contact DHS who then began investigating. The affidavit stated that five children in the home underwent hair follicle tests and four tested positive for THC in their systems.
Arrest
The Caseys were arrested on April 8 on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and maintaining a premises for drug activity. Their bond was set at $10,000, and a no-contact order was issued, prohibiting both suspects from having any contact with the children.
Arrest records show Roy Casey bonded out on April 10 and Kelli casey bonded out on April 11.
On April 16, court records indicate that both suspects entered not guilty pleas. Their jury trial has been scheduled for the week of Sept. 2, 2025, according to court records.
