Two women has been arrested charged with Chemical Endangerment, according to Sheriff Jonathon Horton.

A Gadsden woman turned herself into the Etowah County Sheriff’s office on 09/16/2021 for Chemical Endangerment of a child.

“Samantha Anita Ellis” 41, of Gadsden is charged with chemical endangerment of exposing a child to an environment in which controlled substances are ingested, produced or distributed, which is a felony, Investigator Brandi Fuller said. 

Ellis tested positive for marijuana while giving birth on July 17, 2021. Baby Ellis also tested positive for marijuana. DHR is involved in Ellis’ case and the child has been placed in a safety plan. 

Ellis’ bond has been set at $10,000 cash and she must enroll in Etowah County Court Referral upon release. 

Khodejah Yuanta Thomas, 27, of Gadsden, is charged with chemical endangerment of exposing a child to an environment in which controlled substances are ingested, produced or distributed, which is a felony Inv. Brandi Fuller said. On  August 12, 2021 officers were called out to a possible overdose at a residence in Gadsden on a Khodejah Thomas. Once officers arrived on scene it was discovered that there was also a 3 month old child in the home. Both Thomas and the baby were transported to the hospital and The Department of Human Resources was called. Thoomas and the child were both drug tested. Thomas tested positive for Cocaine, Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin), Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone.  Baby Thomas tested positive for Cocaine, Benzoylecgoniene, and Opiates (Codeine, Morphine, Heroin).  The child has been placed into a safety plan and Thomas has been placed in the Etowah County Detention Center. 

Thomas is being held on a $10,000 cash bond and before release conditions are an inpatient drug treatment program and to be supervised by Etowah County Court Referral Office.