Jersey Shore vacation ends in cocaine overdose charges
Man initially believed the toddler had taken painkillers
Alexander T. Moles brought a 2-year-old boy in his care to a hospital in North Wildwood, New Jersey, after the child began having trouble breathing. He now faces charges of child endangerment and cocaine possession.
According to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, the incident occurred on Monday, July 20. North Wildwood Fire Department officials were called to Moles' vehicle, stopped at the intersection of 21st and New Jersey Avenues, after a report of a sick child.
Toddler responds to Narcan, tests positive for cocaine
"EMS administered two doses of Naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN), to which the child responded, and transported the two-year-old to Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional for further medical attention," the prosecutor's office said.
Preliminary blood tests on the toddler came back positive for cocaine, officials added.
Man was watching children while woman showered
Investigators learned Moles, 39, had been vacationing at a home in Wildwood at the time. Court documents obtained by New Jersey 101.5 state Moles was staying at an Airbnb with a woman and other children, and was responsible for watching them while she showered.
When the woman returned to the children, she noticed the 2-year-old had become "sleepy," according to the outlet's review of court documents. Moles called her while en route to the hospital to tell her the toddler was falling asleep, prompting her to call 911.
Man believed child had taken painkillers
Moles later told investigators he believed the toddler had ingested "painkillers." Authorities who searched his room found pieces of a pill, several tinfoil packets labeled "tapentadol hydrochloride" — a narcotic pain medication — and a bag containing a white powdery substance, New Jersey 101.5 reported.
Charges and release
Moles was arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of prescription legend drugs, along with a disorderly persons offense, the prosecutor's office said.
He was taken to Cape May Correctional Facility and released with conditions following his detention hearing on July 24. The investigation remains ongoing, and it's not clear whether Moles has legal representation.
