Saint Paul Man Charged After Infant Allegedly Exposed to Fentanyl and Cocaine
Published: July 22nd, 2026.
SAINT PAUL: A 23-year-old Saint Paul man has been charged with a felony after authorities allege his eight-month-old child was exposed to controlled substances inside their home and later tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine, according to a criminal complaint filed in Ramsey County.
Tyree Patrick Kelly, of Saint Paul, is charged with one count of felony child endangerment resulting in substantial harm. The charge alleges that he, as a parent or caretaker, intentionally or recklessly permitted a child to be placed in a situation likely to substantially harm the child's physical, mental, or emotional health.
According to the complaint, Saint Paul police responded at approximately 2:39 p.m. on July 19 to a residence in the 1600 block of Saint Anthony Avenue after receiving a report of an unconscious but breathing eight-month-old infant.
The complaint states Kelly met responding officers while carrying the child and told them he believed the infant may have come into contact with an opioid. He allegedly reported administering Narcan before first responders arrived after the child became difficult to wake.
Authorities allege Kelly told officers he had previously struggled with fentanyl addiction and acknowledged there had been narcotics used in the apartment in the past. He also allegedly said he believed the child may have placed a piece of foil associated with prior drug use into the child's mouth.
The infant was transported to Children's Hospital, where medical staff determined the child was in stable condition. According to the complaint, medical testing later indicated the child tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. The child was subsequently placed into protective custody.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at the apartment. According to the complaint, officers located suspected drug paraphernalia and other items commonly associated with drug use in multiple areas of the residence. The complaint also alleges some of those items were found in locations accessible within the home.
After being advised of his rights, Kelly allegedly told investigators he was the child's primary daytime caregiver. He admitted knowing that old drug-related items remained inside the apartment and acknowledged concerns about maintaining sobriety, according to the complaint.
The complaint further alleges Kelly admitted to using cocaine earlier that day in a separate room before falling asleep while the infant was awake in the living area. He allegedly told investigators he did not know how the child tested positive for cocaine but believed the child had been exposed to fentanyl residue from an old piece of foil.
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court. Kelly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.