Reynoldsburg man receives jail time for getting high while child drowned

A man from Reynoldsburg was sentenced to two years in prison for using getting high on marijuana while his child drowned in a pool. 

Nicholas J. Pruneau, 40, of Reynoldsburg appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court recently for sentencing. Judge Mark C. Fleegle sentenced Pruneau to 24 months behind bars for his crimes of felony child endangerment, felony reckless homicide and misdemeanor child endangerment.

On Oct. 4, 2023, law enforcement authorities responded to an emergency call regarding a young child found naked and unconscious in a swimming pool. 

The owner of a medical marijuana purchasing license, Pruneau had misused marijuana earlier that day and fell asleep while he was supposed to watching his children. During that time, the child went outside, ended up in the swimming pool and drowned. 

According to blood tests, the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, the active chemical in marijuana, in Pruneau’s system was about 20 times higher than therapeutic levels.

Pruneau previously admitted his crimes and pleaded guilty during a Jan. 31 appearance in Common Pleas Court.

Muskingum County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch says Pruneau’s lack of self-control led to the unnecessary death of a child.

“The defendant’s addiction to marijuana resulted in this child’s death,” Prosecutor Welch said. “Had this defendant shown any ability to control his marijuana use, this child would still be alive.”

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