SHERRILL, ONEIDA COUNTY -- State Police and Oneida County Child Protective Services are investigating how the 6 year old grandson of the Sherrill City Police Chief overdosed on methamphetamine. Until the investigation is complete, a temporary court order bars the child from entering Chief James Hastings home.
The boy's father, Steve Sgarlata alerted CNY Central to the incident which occurred February 15th. He said the overdose occurred while his son was in the care of Chief Hastings and his wife. "This is a serious offense." Sgarlata told reporter Jim Kenyon, "My son spent four days in the hospital seeing spiders coming out of his skin."
Sgarlata provided CNY Central with a transcript of an emergency Family Court hearing and a temporary court order. From these documents we've learned that both State Police and Oneida County Child Protective Services are investigating the incident. It's still uncertain just how or where the child got hold of the methamphetamine.
The boy's uncle, Jason Hastings who lives at the home, is under suspicion after apparently failing a drug test ordered by his probation officer.
The temporary court order bars the child from any contact with Jason Hastings. It also prevents him from entering his grandparent's home. Any visits with Chief Jim Hastings or his wife must be supervised by the boy's mother.
Contacted by phone, Sherrill Police Chief Hastings said he has "nothing to say about this incident."
The family's attorney Neal Rose said, people "should not connect the dots and assume Chief Hastings or anyone in his family had anything to do with this. There's no proof the child had contact with meth at the Chief's home."
Steve Sgarlata is afraid Jason Hastings may avoid prosecution. "I'm outraged to think that because he might be offered a deal and some kind of plea arrangement that he's not punished."
Sherrill City Manager, Bob Comis says the Police Chief informed him of his 6 year old grandson's exposure to methamphetamine. Comis is awaiting the results of the investigations.
Sgarlata says his son is recovering from his exposure to methamphetamine, but is having problems in school.
Sgarlata is petitioning Family Court for custody of his son. There will be a hearing in May.
