Queensland Police: TikTok Influencer Accused of Drugging Ill Baby for Follower and Financial Gain
Police report that a one-year-old girl, drugged by her mother for the sake of her social media following, was saved by timely medical intervention and could have lost her life otherwise.
The Queensland Police Service alleges that a Sunshine Coast mother, who gained popularity as an influencer on Chinese-owned app TikTok, drugged her already ill baby to boost her online presence and make money.
The 34-year-old woman, who is not named to protect her child’s identity, was a prominent influencer on various platforms, with TikTok being her main platform.
At her arrest in the Logan suburb of Underwood on Jan. 16, Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton briefed the media.
She faces charges of administering poison with intent to harm, preparing to commit crimes with dangerous substances, as well as torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
The charge of child exploitation stems from distributing footage of her distressed baby to her followers, while the fraud charge relates to her successful GoFundMe campaign that raised approximately $60,000 (US$37,000). The rest of the charges involve drugging the child.
Despite the woman’s claims of her baby having a pre-existing condition, Inspector Dalton asserts that she deliberately caused distress using both prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.
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“It was a deliberate act to gain an advantage,” he stated.
Authorities say the incidents took place between Aug. 6 and Oct. 15, 2024, and medical professionals alerted the police upon noticing suspicious signs.
“Regarding these charges, we will assert that between Aug. 6 last year and Oct. 15, the woman administered various prescription and over-the-counter medications to the one-year-old without medical authorization,” Inspector Dalton remarked.
Police also claim the suspect took steps to hide her deeds until they were uncovered by medical staff and authorities.
Inspector Dalton, unable to disclose the specific drugs used on the child, noted she was subjected to suffering and danger, potentially jeopardizing her life.
He expressed to the press the heinous nature of the case, emphasizing that “there are no words to describe” it.
“Hurting a child, especially one so young who depends entirely on adults for care and love, is inexcusable,” he declared.
Police deduce, from their inquiries, that the woman likely acted alone in these crimes.
Although the funds from her GoFundMe account cannot be retrieved, authorities plan to reclaim the sum after she appears in court.
GoFundMe is collaborating to reimburse donors who contributed to the campaign.
The child is currently “in a secure environment” and thriving, as per police reports.
The suspect is scheduled to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Jan. 17.
Police will oppose granting her bail.
