Illinois mother accused of child endangerment waives arraignment

The Cape Girardeau mother whose infant daughter tested positive for cocaine Jan. 1 waived her formal arraignment Wednesday and will be back in court next month.

Brooke Whitener, 31, was arrested on New Year's Day when hospital personnel said her 18-month-old daughter tested positive for cocaine after being rushed to Southeast Hospital with seizures and a high fever. A urine test conducted by the Division of Protective Services reportedly found that Whitener's two older daughters, ages 12 and 14, had cocaine in their system as well.

Whitener is charged with three counts of child endangerment and faces up to seven years in prison for each count. She will be back in court March 6 for a pretrial hearing.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO