By: Richard L. Smith
Today, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella reported the arrest of 48-year-old Ms. Frances Caso of Fort Lee on multiple charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, possession of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The arrest stems from an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old girl.
According to a statement released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation was led by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, along with the Fort Lee Police Department, under the direction of Chief Matthew Hintze.
On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 3:34 PM, the Fort Lee Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive 12-year-old girl at a private residence on Maple Street.
The girl was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Indicators of a possible drug overdose were noted, prompting notification to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Narcotic Task Force, and Special Victims Unit initiated a joint investigation with the Fort Lee Police Department.
It was determined that Frances Caso and three other juveniles were present at the residence around the time of the suspected overdose.
A court-authorized search of the residence revealed multiple suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia.
As a result, Frances Caso was arrested and charged with several offenses, including endangering the welfare of a child and possession of controlled dangerous substances.
She was remanded to the Bergen County Jail and is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
The investigation into the fatal dose of narcotics ingested by the victim is ongoing.