NC WOMEN CHARGED, HELPING CHILDREN SMOKE: North Carolina women charged with helping children smoke

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — North Carolina police have charged two women with helping three children smoke an apparently drug-laced cigar on social media video. Police believe the drug was marijuana.

A Winston-Salem Police Department news release says officers arrested the women Tuesday after numerous reports about the Facebook video. Police seized drug paraphernalia.

[Second arrest made after video of NC baby smoking marijuana goes viral]

The children were treated at a hospital and remain there for observation.

Video obtained by WXII-TV shows an adult handing three young children a cigarillo that they puff on. Police said the cigar contained an illegal substance but didn't elaborate.

“It's heartbreaking,” said Andrew Oliver, executive director at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. “It's tragic. It really takes your breath away.”

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Oliver, an advocate for abused children, hears about hundreds of cases every year.

“I think it should be a reminder to all adults that child abuse, every bit as horrific, happens every day in our community, in every pocket, in every neighborhood,” Oliver said.

In 2017, Pat’s Place helped more than 650 children in Mecklenburg County after allegations of criminal child abuse.

Most child abuse cases are not publicized like the one in Winston-Salem.

“It's an epidemic that thrives in secrecy,” Oliver said.

He encourages people to report suspected child abuse.

“If you suspect something, there is a reason you suspect something,” Oliver said.

[Warrant: NC mom admits she put marijuana blunt in child's mouth]

Jail records show Michaela Pearson and Candice Little were held on charges of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of minors.

Phone listings for the women couldn't be found. The public defender's office said it won't know if the women have lawyers until an upcoming court appearance.

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Associated Press