A York County couple was arrested after daycare staff found a small bag of white powder in a 1-year-old girl's lunch box on May 28; lab tests confirmed the substance was cocaine. A subsequent search of the mother’s home turned up suspected drugs, cash and packaging materials associated with distribution. Emily Arter, 30, and Joel Rodriguez-Melendez, 31, were charged with multiple drug offenses and child endangerment. Four young children present during the search were placed with responsible adults while authorities continue their investigation.
Couple Arrested After Cocaine Is Found In 1-Year-Old’s Lunch Box At Pennsylvania Daycare
Emily Arter, Joel Rodriguez-MelendezCredit: Carroll Township Police Department
York County authorities arrested a couple after daycare staff discovered a small clear bag containing a white powdery substance inside a 1-year-old girl's lunch box on May 28. Laboratory testing later confirmed the substance was cocaine, prompting a wider investigation and a search of the child's mother's home.
Investigation and Arrests
The Carroll Township Police Department said the investigation began when a daycare employee at Little Dreams Daycare in Dillsburg reported the discovery to police. Following laboratory confirmation that the substance was cocaine, investigators obtained a search warrant for the mother's residence.
Emily ArterCredit: Carroll Township Police Department
Officers executing the warrant seized multiple types of suspected controlled substances, a quantity of U.S. currency and packaging materials commonly associated with drug distribution. The York County Drug Task Force assisted Carroll Township police during the operation.
Who Was Charged
Authorities arrested 30-year-old Emily Arter and 31-year-old Joel Rodriguez-Melendez and transported them to York County Central Booking. According to court documents and police statements, the pair face several charges, including:
Joel Rodriguez-MelendezCredit: Carroll Township Police Department
- Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture/distribute controlled substances
- Endangering the welfare of children
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance by an unregistered person
- Use or possession of drug paraphernalia
Children and Community Concerns
When police searched the home, four young children were present; all children found at the property were reported to be under 10 years old. Those children were placed in the care of responsible adults during the investigation.
Police say they also received a tip from the York County Sheriff's Office alleging that Arter was supplying cocaine to much of Dillsburg. Neighbors had previously complained about suspected drug activity at the residence, noting frequent short visits by multiple people.
Police: "The investigation involves the sale and possession of illegal controlled substances and endangering the welfare of a child."
Local news outlets reported the details of the arrest and seizure; police said the investigation is ongoing and did not release further information at the time of their statement.
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