Authorities: Toddler found high on cocaine at church preschool

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A toddler was being treated for having cocaine in her system after workers at her church preschool noticed the girl acting unusual, authorities said Wednesday.

The unidentified girl, who is between 18 and 24 months old, was taken to the hospital by her parents after workers at Promise Land Preschool at First Baptist Church of Mandarin noticed she would not eat and was unsteady on her feet Monday, according to a report from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. The girl was expected to be fine.

The toddler's parents tested negative for cocaine, authorities said. Authorities also could not link the drugs to the church, the Rev. Steve Newbill told The Florida Times-Union.

"They told us we're cleared," he said.

Twelve to 14 employees at the church underwent interviews and drug screenings, but all the results came back negative, Newbill said.

Case information will go to detectives who investigate child abuse, sheriff's spokeswoman Melissa Bujeda said.

The girl's parents said she was fine when they dropped her off at the school, authorities said.

Promise Land director Maxine Williams told the newspaper that the preschool remained open.

Telephone called to the sheriff's office and school by The Associated Press were not immediately returned Wednesday night.

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