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Baby's Fentanyl Overdose Leads to Federal Charges
3 Apr
Summary
- Florida man indicted on federal drug charges after child's overdose.
- Child suffered a near-fatal fentanyl overdose while in father's care.
- Suspect faces life in prison if convicted on all counts.
A Florida man, Rayshawn Smith, 31, of St. Petersburg, faces federal drug charges following a near-fatal fentanyl overdose of his 1-year-old child. The incident occurred on November 13, 2025, while the infant was in Smith's sole care. This event led to a joint investigation involving the Pinellas Park Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Smith is accused of selling methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant between May 13, 2025, and January 14, 2026. On January 14, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at his residence, allegedly seizing narcotics, firearms, and drug paraphernalia. Additional contraband was found in his vehicle.
On March 31, 2026, Smith was indicted on multiple charges, including distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He is currently detained at the Pinellas County Jail, with his arraignment scheduled for April 15, 2026.
