Gwinnett Child Hospitalized After Ingesting Meth; Dad Arrested

Gwinnett County officials said they have arrested the father of a 17-month-old girl who apparently ingested methamphetamine.

Police said they were called to the Gwinnett Medical Center after a 17-month old girl, Giselle Benitez, was brought in after she started having seizures. Police said Benitez began to have seizures after drinking an unknown liquid at her home on Arbor Grove Road in Buford.

Police said they learned the liquid the child drank contained meth and was in an area that was easily accessible to a child.

Toxicology tests confirmed meth in the child's system.

After interviewing the girl's parents, police arrested her father, 28-year-old Heriberto Benitez-Perez. He has been charged with one count of cruelty to children and possession of a controlled substance.

He is being held at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. More charges may be filed at a later date, police said.

Giselle Benitez is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

Police said the investigation is continuing.