Mother arrested after filming daughter licking tongue depressor, returning it to jar in doctor's office
A mother is claiming that a Snapchat video, initially shared between her and a few friends, has resulted in death threats towards her and her family after a third person shared it on Facebook. Now, the mother is facing criminal charges.
The video, posted on the social media site on Tuesday, shows a young girl licking a tongue depressor in a Florida doctor's office and then placing it back in a jar with the others. Above the jar is a sign that reads, "Please do not touch medical supplies! Thank you." There is an added Snapchat caption that reads, "Don't tell me how to live my life."
According to Action Jax News, another video was also filmed in the office, which showed three other children and the caption, "When you are running late as f***, this is how I'm gonna let my kids act."
The mother, Cori Ward, said that she "wasn't thinking" when she took the video and that the act was not part of the recent viral "licking challenge," Action Jax News reports. She informed the station that she later removed the tongue depressor and others surrounding the contaminated depressor.
Ward claimed that she is now fearful for the safety of her family after receiving death threats from people who believe her child was participating in the challenge. The recent trend has resulted in the arrest of several customers who filmed themselves licking ice cream and other items in stores and returning them to the shelf, and then sharing the footage online.
"It's horrible," Ward said through tears. "I'm scared for my kids."
All About Kids and Families Medical Center confirmed to First Coast News that the girl in the video was a patient and that they intended to get authorities involved.
They released the following statement: "We were notified yesterday that a patient had violated our trust with behavior that is inconsistent with the practices and standards that we uphold and expect at our facility.
"Upon notification of this isolated incident, we contacted law enforcement to request a full and thorough investigation. In addition, we immediately removed all materials and containers from the specific exam room and re-sanitized our entire facility. Our internal investigation does not reveal any resulting risks or harm to patients from this action.
"This type of behavior is not tolerated at All About Kids and Families Medical Center. Each year, we serve thousands of patients, and providing quality care and ensuring their safety is our top priority."
Ward, 30, was arrested on Thursday, Action News Jax confirmed. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says that she is facing a charge of tampering with consumer product without regard for possible death/bodily injury.
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