On May 28, 2025, deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to Renown Medical Center after a 17-month-old child was brought in by his parents. Medical staff expressed concerns that the child may have suffered an overdose involving prescription medications.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, working in partnership with Child Protective Services, took over the investigation. Further investigation confirmed that the child had been poisoned with prescription medication.
Following a thorough investigation and interviews, the child’s mother, Alesha Martin, was arrested and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on June 6, 2025, on the following charges:
- • 1 count of NRS 200.508.1a2 – Child Abuse/Neglect with Substantial Bodily or Mental Harm
- • 4 counts of NRS 202.170 – Poisoning or Adulterating Food, Water, or Medicine
The 17-month-old child was released from the hospital and is now recovering in the care of family members.
“These types of cases are among the most difficult and emotionally charged that our deputies and detectives face,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “When children are involved, the sensitivity, urgency, and impact are significantly heightened. I’m proud of our deputies and detectives who continue to answer the call to protect our most vulnerable—our children.”
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 775-328-3320, referencing case number WC25-2528.
