Australian influencer Arrested After Allegedly Drugging Child to Gain Online Followers
A 34-year-old Australian social media influencer was Arrested from the Sunshine Coast with many serious charges for allegedly providing illegal prescription medicines to her one-year-old kid to get online followers and donations.
Allegations of Administering Illegal Medications
Queensland Police say that between August 6 and October 15, 2024, the mother bought illegal prescriptions and drugs from the medicines store, including expired prescriptions meant for others, and gave them to her child without medical approval. Despite medical advice, she allegedly proceeded with this procedure, causing the kid much pain and torture.
Exploitation of Online Content and Donations
The accused allegedly recorded and shared footage of her child’s suffering on social media channels, showing a fake medical journey to gain followers and financial donations. A GoFundMe campaign was also launched, generating almost $60,000 for the child’s alleged medical costs. Following the claims, the fundraising site shut down the campaign.
Investigation and Arrest
Medical workers at Queensland Children’s Hospital expressed alarm in October 2024 after seeing the child’s serious and life-threatening condition, triggering an inquiry by the Child Protection and Inquiry Unit. Subsequent tests revealed that the child had illegal drugs in his system. The lady was caught at Underwood, Brisbane, on January 16, 2025.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
- The lady faces several counts, including:
- Five charges of giving poison with the intent to hurt.
- Three charges of preparing to commit crimes using harmful objects.
- Torture, child exploitation material, and fraud all received one count each.
She is expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17, 2025.
Authorities’ Response
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton accused the alleged crimes, illustrating the need to safeguard children and hold perpetrators accountable. He went on: “There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival.”
Children’s Welfare
The kid has been taken out of the mother’s care and is now in a place of safety. Efforts are ongoing to repay the monies earned through the GoFundMe campaign to the authors.
Potential Munchausen Syndrome Case
If proven guilty, this might be Australia’s first high-profile example of Munchausen by proxy, a mental health problem in which a carer fabricates or creates disease in a person in their care to obtain attention or sympathy.
