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Mother Gets Nine Year Sentence In Baby Death
"Excessive Levels" of Methamphetamine in System
Nicole Smith
Nicole Todd-Smith was sentenced to nine years in prison in the methamphetamine overdose death of her 44-day-old daughter. Stanislaus County Booking Photo

Nicole Todd-Smith, the mother of the 44-day-old baby that died of a methamphetamine overdose in December, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Tuesday, May 7.

Todd-Smith, 31, had pleaded no contest to felony child endangerment and causing great bodily injury or death on March 22.

The case dates back to Dec. 11, when police were summoned to an unresponsive baby on Obsidian Drive. The baby was later pronounced dead at Oak Valley Hospital.

On Jan. 17 police received a toxicology report showing “excessive levels” of methamphetamine in the baby’s system, causing it to choke on its own vomit.

Todd-Smith was facing a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison when she was sentenced by Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Nancy Ashley. Todd-Smith will have to serve at least three years on parole when released.

For the entire story, read the May 15 edition of The Leader.