Portsmouth woman charged with child endangerment after drugs were allegedly found unsecured inside home

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — The Portsmouth Police Department said a woman was arrested after drugs were allegedly found unsecured inside her home, creating a “dangerous environment” for a child.

44-year-old Lauren Nortz, of Portsmouth, was charged with child endangerment.

On June 5, police said a 10-year-old child called 911 for a medical emergency.

Upon arrival, Portsmouth police allege that officers observed signs of a drug overdose and discovered narcotics in the home.

Police said the narcotics were allegedly unsecured and created a “dangerous environment” that was accessible to the 10-year-old.

Police also found multiple containers of discarded Narcan.

Portsmouth police said that during the investigation, officers discovered the 10-year-old child who called the police had used Narcan on Nortz, and had been given previous guidance on how to utilize it by a family member.

Additionally, the child read the instructions on the packaging, according to police.

During an interview with Nortz, police said she allegedly admitted to using drugs and confirmed that the narcotics and related paraphernalia were accessible to the 10-year-old child.

Nortz was arrested on June 6.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families was notified of the incident and is keeping the child safe, according to Portsmouth police.

Nortz was arraigned and released on $2,000 bail. As part of her bail, she is not allowed to contact the child.

Nortz’s formal arraignment was scheduled for June 12.