Auburn, 2, suffers catastrophic brain injury linked to 7-OH

AUBURN, Ind. (WPTA) – A 2-year-old from Auburn suffered catastrophic brain injuries after police say he was exposed to a drug called 7-OH.

Police charged Kole Schwarz, 20, with neglect of a dependent resulting in catastrophic injury. Court records indicate Schwarz was the mother’s boyfriend at the time.

Family members say the toddler was rushed to a DeKalb County hospital on Sept. 6, where the affidavit says he was “unconscious and placed in a medically induced coma.”

The child was then transferred to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.

Court documents say a specialized lab test later revealed kratom-related medications were present in his blood.

Investigators say the child’s mother told them she believed Schwarz was using “7-OH” and was concerned the child had ingested one.

Detectives say Schwarz admitted to purchasing pills sold under the name “7-OH” through a contact in Fort Wayne.

The detective calls this product the likely source of exposure. Schwarz told police the pills remained sealed in his pocket.

Court documents say the child had an “unknown green substance around his mouth” and a doctor found MRI evidence that met the criteria for a catastrophic injury.

Auburn police say the child’s mother is not a suspect in this case and has been cooperative throughout the investigation.

The little one’s grandmother, Josie Casebere, says she spent six weeks in the hospital with her grandson.

“It’s been the hardest thing in my life. I mean, I’ve lost parents and friends, and it’s… I know we haven’t lost him, but it’s still the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” she said. “He got an order for a wheelchair that’s supposed to fit him until he’s six. If that means anything to you. They don’t know he’ll ever walk again or anything.”

The FDA calls 7-OH a powerful opioid concentrate from kratom, warning of a “concerning proliferation of concentrated 7-OH products sold over-the-counter and online.”

“This public health threat is concerning and requires immediate and effective policies to educate consumers and take regulatory action limiting access to products containing 7-OH,” the FDA report said.

It’s illegal in Indiana, but in Michigan it’s sold in gummies, drinks and pills.

Berrien County health officials warned last week that kratom-related hospitalizations were on the rise. Michigan does not have a statewide age limit.

“Kratom contains a chemical called 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine), which acts like an opioid and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is an increasingly popular substance among adolescents and is sold at gas stations and smoke shops in the form of candies, drinks, pills and more,” the county health warning states. “Although it is touted as an energy booster, mood enhancer, pain reliever, and remedy for symptoms related to stopping opioids, kratom can cause serious health problems, such as seizures, liver toxicity, and substance use disorders. It can also lead to overdose.”

Casebere says she spoke out to raise awareness about 7-OH. “They label it whatever they want. Because it’s not regulated. And they sell it to our children,” she said.