ST. LOUIS — A child youth specialist is facing charges after several teenagers being held at the St. Louis Juvenile Detention Center were taken to the hospital after they appeared to be "under the influence of substances," according to court officials.
Patrick Harris, 23, was charged with two counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child after he distributed gummy candies infused with THC to two teenagers at the center on April 6.
According to court documents, Harris is a child youth specialist who is employed at the juvenile detention facility. The two teens, who were under the age of 17, were under his supervision at the time of the incident.
The two teens were taken to a hospital for treatment after experiencing health issues including "unresponsiveness, being incoherent, increased heart rate, and being unbalanced," a probable cause statement said. The teens were later returned to the center.
St. Louis Circuit Court spokesman Joel Currier said St. Louis Family Court and St. Louis police are investigating after learning of the April 6 incident at the facility on Enright Avenue.
Court officials immediately notified police, and an investigation is ongoing, Currier said last week.
Harris confessed to being in possession of the gummy candy and distributing them inside the facility, court documents said. Surveillance video also showed Harris in possession of them.
An at-large warrant has been issued for his arrest as he is not in custody as of Monday evening. He will be held on no bond.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.
