IONA GOSS SENTENCED IN “CRACK BABY” CASE

Twenty-six year old Iona Goss of Anderson, SC pled guilty today in Anderson General Sessions Court to the charge of Unlawful Neglect of a Child. Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox sentenced Goss to a term of 8 years suspended to 6 years in prison to be followed by 3 years probation. Goss was also ordered to undergo addiction treatment while incarcerated.

On July 31, 2005, Iona Goss gave birth to a stillborn child at AnMed Hospital. Goss gave a statement in which she admitted using alcohol and smoking crack approximately two hours before giving birth. She also admitted using crack on and off throughout her entire pregnancy. SLED toxicology indicated the defendant had a .015 blood alcohol level and cocaine in her system at the time of delivery. The baby had a .058 blood alcohol level and also tested positive for cocaine. The baby was polydactyl and also had skull and brain deformities. The defendant had previously given birth to a child in 2003 while in drug rehab in Charleston. 

“We are very pleased with the prison term handed down by the Honorable Cordell Maddox. This is a tragic case that resulted in the loss of an innocent child’s life. I can only hope that this sentence sends the message that we will not tolerate women who abuse alcohol and drugs during their pregnancy. We will continue to fight for the maximum sentence allowed by law.” Solicitor Chrissy Adams.