Sheriff Files New Child Abuse, Drug Exposure Charges In Four Oaks Case
FOUR OAKS, N.C. — A Four Oaks mother whose three young children were removed from her home during a narcotics investigation just days before one of the children died is now facing additional criminal charges.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday the arrest of Amber Nicole Gibson, 39, on six new charges stemming from the ongoing investigation into conditions inside her home in the 2700 block of Thompson Road.
Gibson is charged with three counts of exposing children to a controlled substance and three counts of misdemeanor child abuse. She was arrested Tuesday night and placed in the Johnston County Detention Center without bond pending her first court appearance.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives allege Gibson left illegal narcotics throughout the residence where her three children had access to the controlled substances. The misdemeanor child abuse charges stem from what deputies described as the unsafe and unsanitary living conditions inside the home.
The new charges follow a July 1 narcotics search warrant executed by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and Criminal Investigations Division.
During that search, investigators said they recovered suspected LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a stolen handgun hidden beneath a bed. Deputies also reported finding unsanitary living conditions, prompting the Johnston County Department of Social Services to take emergency custody of the three children.
Three days later, on July 4, one of the children — a 4-year-old boy — died while staying at a grandparent’s home on Juniper Church Road.
Detectives launched a death investigation, and authorities previously said no foul play is suspected. The cause and manner of death have not been released. No additional information about the child’s death was disclosed.
In the days following the child’s death, JoCoReport submitted a series of questions to Johnston County Department of Social Services seeking information about the agency’s involvement after the children were removed from the Thompson Road home. A spokesperson declined to answer the questions, citing state confidentiality laws governing juvenile cases.
Prior to the new charges, Gibson had been charged with possession of a stolen firearm, felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, simple possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show she posted a $17,500 secured bond on July 2 and was released from jail before her latest arrest.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said its investigation remains ongoing.
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Why go back and recharge her a month later? Why not charge her all at once for the same incident??? Sure she made some really bad decisions, but she is also now grieving the loss of her child. This just doesn’t sit right with me.
I’m sorry, but if she truly loved and cared for her children, she wouldn’t live in the situation she was in. Children always come first, no matter what. And I can speak from a grieving mother’s perspective; that is not the face of a grieving mother. If she had the money to color her hair pink, she had the money to feed and keep her children clean. It was her choice and she made the wrong decision.
No bond… well finally they got it right !
She spent less than 24 hours in jail this time, bond $15,000. I sure hope DSS is keeping a close eye on these kids and their wellbeing.
It seems like social services is looking to have her remaining children removed permanently – or at least until the mom is in recovery. Regarding the grief of her one deceased child, and potentially losing the other two to the system – The mom will likely blame social services, law enforcement, grandparents, neighbors, and everyone else – but won’t accept any responsibility. That is what addiction does. It’s not pretty and it’s not honest. The best thing for those remaining children is to be removed from their mother and that environment.
She was off at the lake last weekend. Definitely NOT grieving the loss of her son!
The actual death of the child occurred subsequent to the first arrest. More information has been since determined. Not brain surgery!!! Why do folks insist on excusing this type of life choice???? If she actually IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF THIS BABY / SHE DESERVES THE SHAME, AND YEAH if you think it’s SORROW- I say SUFFER!
Great parenting…..
No smug smile on her face as she had on the last mugshot.