A California couple is now facing imprisonment for charges related to child endangerment and the drug bust of thousands of fantanyl pills caught under their baby's crib.
After discovering a significant number of drugs in their residence, the couple, Krystal Delgado, 23, and Octavian Moreno, 27, are facing serious lega charges accompanied by unlawful firearm ownership.
This development stems from a recent North California drug bust, described as one of the most substantial fentanyl seizures ever recorded in Santa Clara County, according to a statement from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area.
California Couple Arrested for Child Endangerment
A California couple faces serious legal repercussions following their arrest on charges of child endangerment and various drug offenses.
Investigators, during a raid led by the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team (SCCSET), discovered a substantial quantity of illicit substances, including fentanyl pills, marijuana, and cocaine, in close proximity to a baby.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen's office reported that law enforcement executed a warrant at the couple's apartment, leading to the discovery of approximately 25,000 fentanyl pills concealed in a backpack beneath the baby's crib.
These pills were packaged in plastic bags labeled with "10k."
During the raid, authorities also observed the couple's one-year-old baby playing in his playpen, mere feet away from a bag containing marijuana.
Additionally, in the kitchen area, investigators found cocaine stored in a cabinet adjacent to the baby's formula and an unlawful firearm stored in an unlocked drawer.
The raid uncovered further evidence, including 13 pounds of marijuana, 1.5 pounds of cocaine, a loaded firearm, two digital scales, and close to $4,000 in cash.
Furthermore, the proximity of these dangerous substances and weapons to the couple's young child raises significant concerns about their parenting environment and the safety of the child.
Largest Fentanyl Seizure in County's History
Additionally, cocaine was discovered in a kitchen cabinet alongside the baby's formula, as reported by prosecutors, while an illicit firearm was found in an unlocked drawer within the same kitchen.
The couple's arrest was a result of a task force operation, characterized by District Attorney Jeff Rosen's office as the largest seizure of fentanyl in the county's history.
In a poignant statement, the district attorney referenced the tragic losses of two other young South Bay children due to fentanyl overdoses.
Rosen stated, this county has witnessed the devastating effects of fentanyl and the reckless disregard for its lethal potential, as seen in the untimely deaths of two innocent souls - Baby Phoenix and Baby Winter.
He added, their brief lives should serve as a stark warning to all parents. Today, he is relieved that we have not added another name to the heartbreaking list of victims.
"Baby Phoenix" was a three-month-old infant who passed away in May 2023 after allegedly ingesting methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Phoenix's father, 38-year-old David Anthony Castro, faced charges of felony child endangerment and possession of a controlled substance, while the mother had succumbed to an overdose.
"Baby Winter," at 18 months old, met a tragic end due to fentanyl and methamphetamine poisoning in August 2023.
Murder charges were brought against her parents, 27-year-old Derek Vaughn Rayo and 28-year-old Kelly Jean Richardson, along with suspected drug dealers, 31-year-old Phillip Ortega and 32-year-old Paige Vitale.
According to Rosen's office, Moreno and Delgado are set to be arraigned Thursday afternoon, with Moreno potentially facing up to 18 years in prison and Delgado facing a maximum of 13 years upon conviction.
