(WKYT) – A Laurel County woman is facing charges after her newborn was allegedly found malnourished and with an infection.
Rachel Denning, 34, is charged with one count of first-degree wanton endangerment and a count of endangering the welfare of a minor.
Denning was arrested on Tuesday following an investigation by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office after it received a report that a newborn child had not gotten medical attention three weeks after delivery and was being given drugs.
According to an arrest citation, deputies arrived at a residence in the Lily community and attempted to make contact with Denning but were denied entry.
She originally stated that “she was not Rachel and that she could call her and get her here.”
During the exchange, deputies reported hearing a baby crying in the residence.
According to the arrest citation, Denning finally admitted her identity and let the deputies inside the residence after 30 minutes of negotiation.
Once inside the residence, deputies were allowed to examine the baby. Denning said that the baby was born at her boyfriend’s house with the assistance of a midwife.
Emergency crews and child protective services evaluated the baby’s health at the scene.
According to the arrest citation, a doctor said that the baby was malnourished, hypothermic due to heat and had an infection.
Denning is being held at the Laurel County Correctional Center on a $5,000 bond and was arraigned on Wednesday.
Another individual at the scene, Joshua Cox, also allegedly misidentified himself and was charged with identity theft. He is also lodged at the correctional center.