Welch is charged with cruelty to a juvenile

On October 28th, 2024 the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office received a complaint from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of a 3-year-old male being admitted to the St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria La.

The DCFS reporter stated St. Frances Cabrini Hospital had notified them that they had received a 3-year-old male patient who was in and out of a "coma-like" state after eating a large amount of CBD Gummies. She stated that the child had been in the care of his custodial mother, Felicia Welch (W/F D.O.B. 9/7/1983).

During the investigation, it was learned that the suspect had no intentions of bringing the child to the hospital and was pressured by friends and family to do so. The child was treated in ICU for several days where he later gained a full recovery and was placed in another home

Falicia Welch was charged and booked into the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office Jail for one count of 2nd Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile. Her bond was set at $25,000. This investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.