A video on Facebook allegedly showing a toddler vaping with assistance on a bed with an adult female beside him has led to the arrest of a Eufaula mother and a warrant for the arrest of a male believed to be her ex-boyfriend and the toddler’s father.
The child has been placed in the custody of the Department of Human Services, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Josh Cummings, the arresting officer.
Rachel Lane, age not released, of Eufaula, was arrested on Jan. 30 and on Feb. 6 charged with child abuse and conspiracy. Associate District Judge Brendon Bridges entered a not guilty plea on behalf of the defendant and set bond at $60,000.
Donte Jordan Smith, 32, who reportedly had once shared a residence with Lane but listed a Tulsa address, has been charged with enabling child abuse and conspiracy.
A warrant has been issued for Smith, but as of Monday, Feb. 10, he had not been taken into custody.
Lane has been ordered to appear in district court at 9 a.m., March 11, for a prepreliminary hearing conference.
It is alleged that Smith used a cellphone more than a month ago to video Lane on a bed with her toddler son assisting him to inhale smoke from a vape pen.
Lane said the video was taken without her permission and then used to blackmail her, threatening to share it online.
She said an acquaintance initially posted the video, which Cummings said took place on Jan. 22, and then others shared it.
Lane stated in an interview with Officer Cummings that the pen contained nicotine, but Cummings said the type of pen used is commonly used with marijuana.
Lane also said she was fearful of Smith, whom she described as abusive. Court records show that on Feb. 21, 2024, she filed for a protective order against Smith, but the filing was dismissed three months later when she failed to appear at a hearing.
Lane alleges she was forced to help her toddler vape, but Cunningham noted that she was smiling throughout the video.
He also reported that on the video Lane excitedly states “he’s a stona!”
Cummings became aware of the situation on Jan. 30 at about 9 a.m. when he received information that the video was being shared on Facebook.
He found the child at a local daycare center and the manager of the facility stated that the child was there and appeared to be functioning normally.
