McHenry mother of infant who overdosed gets probation

A woman whose 3-month-old child was hospitalized after ingesting heroin from a teething ring was sentenced Friday to two years of probation.

Ashley M. Hendle, a 32-year-old mother of three, is barred from having contact with any children, including her own, while she completes her sentence, McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt ordered.

She also must undergo substance abuse treatment, wear an electronic home monitoring bracelet, submit to drug and alcohol screenings and receive therapy, in addition to other restrictions, the judge ordered.

Hendle, of McHenry, previously entered a blind plea to possession of a controlled substance and child endangerment in connection with a heroin overdose her infant daughter experienced April 30, 2018. The infant survived.

Rather than calling an ambulance, Hendle took her child to a friend’s house and asked her to drive them to the hospital, Assistant State’s Attorney Brette Dunbar said. On the way to the hospital, the infant passed out, and Hendle’s friend called 911.

Hendle was wanted by police at the time for allegedly supervising at least two children while she was under the influence of drugs, court records show. Her children are being cared for by another family member.

“I do want to be successful, to do the right thing not only for me, but for my kids,” Hendle said.