Eastern Band Cherokee Woman Faces Federal Child Abuse Charges

Two separate child abuse cases have recently led to federal charges. In Augusta, Georgia, a woman named Lowery faces second-degree Cruelty to Children charges after her 16-month-old son died from a methadone overdose, which occurred after she left unsecured prescribed methadone medication accessible to unsupervised children. In North Carolina, Shawnenna Caroline Roland, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has been federally charged with child abuse, neglect, and assault after allegedly intentionally assaulting a minor child, causing serious bodily injury and permanent mental and emotional impairment. Roland currently remains in tribal custody awaiting transfer to U.S. Marshals. Both cases underscore tragic instances of child harm involving neglect and abuse, with authorities pursuing criminal prosecution. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about child safety and accountability in diverse communities across the U.S.