COBB COUNTY, Ga. – A Cobb County woman, Dystani A. Bethea, has been charged with second-degree child cruelty after her 2-year-old daughter was found unresponsive at Sunbrook Academy daycare and later tested positive for THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana.
The incident occurred earlier this week when daycare staff at Sunbrook Academy on Hicks Road noticed the child was unresponsive but breathing. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact Bethea, staff called 911. The child was transported to Cobb Hospital, where medical personnel reported she was largely nonresponsive and reacted only to strong stimuli.
A drug screening revealed the presence of THC in the child’s system. According to an arrest affidavit, Bethea knowingly dropped off the toddler despite observing she was lethargic earlier that morning, prompting authorities to charge her with criminal negligence resulting in “cruel or excessive physical or mental pain.”
A warrant was issued for Bethea’s arrest on May 12, and she was taken into custody the same day. As of Friday, she remains held without bond in Cobb County Jail. Court documents confirm that Bethea and the toddler reside at the same address, though the exact nature of their relationship has not been disclosed. It’s unclear if she has retained an attorney.
Sunbrook Academy released a statement confirming that staff followed protocol by calling emergency services and stated, “We are grateful that the child is doing well and subsequently returned to our school.”
The case remains under active investigation by Cobb County authorities.
