Augusta Couple’s Young Daughter Nearly Dies from Fentanyl

A three-year-old Richmond County girl is recovering after ingesting a nearly fatal dose of fentanyl last week.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office was called to 2114 Howard Road in Augusta at 6 pm Thursday, August 18, where the child was found unresponsive.  EMS personnel administered NARCAN to the child and she was taken to Augusta University Medical Center where she was reported to be in critical condition.  The Sheriff's Office said blood and urine tests revealed the child had fentanyl in her system. She is reported to be in stable condition now.

Meanwhile, authorities discovered a one-year-old male child in the home with visible burns to his arms, hand, and back "that were in a distinct pattern such as an iron or grill pan/grate," according to the incident report.  The report also said deputies observed the child drinking from a bottle that contained live maggots.  Two other children in the home, ages 8 and 5 months, were also taken to the hospital to be checked.

The children's parents, 41-year-old Matthew George Moss and 34-year-old Talethea Browman were taken into custody.  Also arrested was 31-year-old Aisha Chakea Bartley of Augusta.  All were charged with Cruelty to Children and Deprivation of a Minor.  Moss faces additional

drugs and weapons charges.

Authorities said the children had been living in deplorable conditions with fecal matter throughout the home, no usable toilets, drug paraphernalia, and food infested with bugs.