Woman accused of operating fentanyl stash house, exposing children to opioid

A 29-year-old Springfield woman remained in jail Thursday night on charges accusing her of stashing fentanyl in her home and exposing three children to the synthetic opioid that is used as a painkiller and anesthetic.

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LaPrecious Anthony, of the 100 block of North Light Street, was arrested Thursday afternoon by detectives with the Clark County Sheriff's Vice & Organized Crime Task Force and Criminal Investigation Division. They executed a search warrant at the address and found “a sizable quantity of suspected fentanyl” hidden in the house.

The drug agents also found "significant evidence" of a manufacturing operation in the home, where the opioid described as 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine would be mixed with "cutting agents" for resale.

The three children, described only as small (ages were not available), were found in the home during the execution of the warrant. The living arrangements for the children indicated they were "regularly exposed to the dangers associated with the manufacture and trafficking of highly toxic illegal drugs," according to the statement from the sheriff's office.

Anthony was taken to jail on the following charges:

• Drug trafficking
• Drug possession
• Illegal manufacturing of drugs
• Felony child endangering (3 counts).

A guest in the home, present when the warrant was executed, was arrested and jailed stemming from an unrelated warrant on a charge of domestic violence and assault. The statement from the sheriff’s office did not indicate that the children belonged to the guest.

We’re working to confirm whether the children are Anthony’s or whether they are her nieces, nephews or cousins. We’re also working to learn whether the children now are in the custody of county children services.

We will update this report as warranted.