East Nashville Man Hid Drugs Under Toddler: Police

EAST NASHVILLE, TN — An East Nashville man faces a smorgasbord of charges after allegedly trying to hide drugs underneath a toddler.

Charles Fleming, 23, was walking through the James Cayce Homes and aroused the suspicion of officers after he reversed directions when he spotted them, according to an affidavit. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

The officers, who were investigating an unrelated assault, then saw Fleming put something underneath the child sitting in a stroller. After a conversation about the assault, during which he appeared nervous, Fleming quickly went inside a home, leaving the child outside with the officers and a woman. One of the police noticed a baggie underneath the toddler when the child leaned forward, according to the arrest report.

Fleming then came back outside and tried to grab the baggies which contained 2.6 grams of cocaine, 0.7 grams of heroin and 2.5 grams of marijuana. The woman, "upset that the narcotics were located under the child," allowed officers to search the home.

During that search, police found a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun, 18.3 grams of "an unknown white substance" and a digital scale in a kitchen drawer and 11 rounds of ammunition in the pantry. In the master bedroom, police said they discovered 14.9 grams of cocaine and 13 grams of heroin inside one shoe and $1100 in cash inside another. Police also said Fleming was carrying $390 in small denomination bills, as well.

While being transported to jail, Fleming repeatedly kicked the door of the patrol car, according to an affidavit, breaking it.

Fleming is charged with unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a felon, two counts of possession of drugs in drug-free zone, misdemeanor drug possession, child neglect and vandalism.

Fleming was arrested earlier this month for a murder at the J.C. Napier Homes, but was cleared after his family provided evidence he was not involved.

Image via MNPD