Charges against Lawrence mom who overdosed in toy store could be dropped

LAWRENCE, Mass. — A mother captured on video overdosing on opiates in the toy aisle of a dollar store will have the charges against her dismissed if she stays out of trouble for two years.

A judge handed down the order Friday afternoon in Lawrence.

Prosecutors say the video was evidence enough that the child was subjected to emotional trauma and stress, and her behavior on that video indicated the situation may have happened before.

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A witness captured the incident on camera when it happened back in September. The 2-year-old girl was seen slapping her mother, 37-year-old Mandy McGowan, and tugging on her arm, trying to wake her up as she is passed out.

Prosecutors said McGowan had a long history of drug use, and even used drugs while at the hospital after being treated for the incident. But the defense said McGowan has made significant progress in her treatment program and now lives in a sober house.

The judge rejected recommendations from the prosecution and the defense, and settled on McGowan continuing her treatment with random drug and alcohol screenings.

If that is successful, the charges stemming from the video will be dropped.

Cox Media Group