Indiana Boyfriend Charged After Toddler Suffers Brain Injury From Suspected Drug Ingestion

Prosecutors in Indiana have charged a man with felony neglect resulting in catastrophic injury after a two-year-old boy allegedly ingested a potent opioid-like drug, 7-OH, and suffered severe brain damage. The child, identified only as Kai, was found unresponsive with an unknown green substance around his mouth and was rushed to the hospital.

Kole Schwarz, 20, the live-in boyfriend of Kai's mother, was arrested on October 16. According to court documents, Kai's mother suspected Schwarz was using 7-OH, a compound derived from kratom, and feared her son had ingested it. Blood tests later detected kratom-related compounds in Kai's system, and an MRI revealed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a severe brain injury.

"It's been the hardest thing in my life," said Josie Casebere, Kai's grandmother, in a statement to WPTA News. "He's got a wheelchair order that's supposed to fit him until he's six. If that tells you anything. They don't know that he'll ever walk again or anything."

Schwarz reportedly claimed that Kai could not have accessed his 7-OH tablets, stating they remained in a sealed bag in his pocket. He also allegedly told investigators that the color of the tablets did not match the substance found around Kai's mouth. However, prosecutors contend that Schwarz, while responsible for the toddler's care, placed him in a situation that endangered his life and health, leading to the catastrophic injury.

The incident came to light on September 6 when Auburn police were notified that a child had been hospitalized in a medically induced coma. Two days later, Kai's grandmother expressed concerns to investigators about Schwarz's alleged use of 7-OH while living with her daughter and Kai.

7-OH is a potent kratom-related compound that can lead to dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms, and can also cause overdose. Health officials have warned that while sometimes marketed as an energy booster or pain reliever, kratom can cause serious health issues, including seizures and liver toxicity.

Despite Indiana banning 7-OH products, more than 20 other states permit kratom and 7-OH sales under certain regulations. Kai's grandmother criticized the lack of regulation, stating, "They’re labeling it however they want to because it’s not regulated, and they’re selling it to our kids."

Schwarz was booked into Noble County Jail. His bond amount and trial date have not yet been listed, and it remains unclear if he has entered a plea. Kai's mother met Schwarz on social media after his July release from jail and stated that he had bonded with her son after moving into her Auburn home. She reported putting Kai to bed around midnight, only to find him hours later on the floor at the foot of her bed. Initially believing he was asleep due to snoring sounds, she became alarmed when she could not wake him.