A Florida couple faces felony child neglect charges after a 12-year-old girl in their care nearly died from a fentanyl overdose at school. The incident, which triggered a massive emergency response at L.A. Ainger Middle School, has reignited concerns over the accessibility of synthetic opioids in domestic environments.
The Emergency Response
On the morning of Tuesday, March 10, Charlotte County Sheriff’s deputies rushed to the middle school following reports of a student who had stopped breathing. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the school nurse performing life-saving CPR on the unconscious girl.
Recognizing the clinical signs of an opioid overdose, deputies administered a single dose of Narcan (naloxone). According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the intervention “yielded positive results,” stabilizing the student before she was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
Investigation Reveals Domestic Negligence
Detectives determined the teen discovered a container of fentanyl on a bathroom sink at her residence in Englewood. According to investigators:
- The student placed the container in her backpack before heading to school.
- Once on campus, she ingested a small amount of the substance in a classroom bathroom.
- The onset of the drug’s effects was “near-immediate,” causing the student to lose consciousness shortly after returning to her seat.
The investigation identified Joshua Lee Sanders, 40, and Courtney Delaney, 34, as the primary caregivers. Authorities allege that Sanders kept the illicit substance in the home despite repeated arguments with Delaney regarding the danger it posed to the children living there.
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, both Sanders and Delaney were taken into custody. They face several felony counts related to the endangerment of the victim and two other children residing in the home:
| Defendant | Primary Charge | Additional Charges | Bond Amount |
| Joshua Lee Sanders | Child neglect (Great Bodily Harm) | 2x Neglect without GBH | $450,000 |
| Courtney Delaney | Child neglect (Great Bodily Harm) | 2x Neglect without GBH | $25,000 |
“It is inexcusable and unforgivable that this child was able to access this poison so easily,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell. “This could have ended very differently if not for the fast actions taken by the school nurse and my deputies.”
Recovery Status
The victim’s aunt, Brandy Sanders, confirmed to local media that the 12-year-old is currently “doing okay” and remains under observation at a behavioral health center.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the source of the fentanyl. It remains unclear if the defendants have retained legal counsel to address the allegations.
