Press Releases

Drugged out mom on the run
Sept. 19, 2009

A registered convicted felon is on the run after being arrested for doing drugs while her baby was in the car – then not showing up in court to tell her side of the story.

A mother admits to shooting up heroin in front of her four month old baby, and now’s she’s taken her misdeeds one step further – becoming a fugitive from the law.

Abbey Brown was spotted by police slumped over the steering wheel of her car in the parking lot of a closed store around 10:30 at night. Next to her in the running car was her friend Louis Trasatti, who was also passed out, and who was holding her baby, while a baggie of cocaine sat underneath the seat.

 “I’m knocking on the window, knocking on the window trying to wake them up and see what’s going on," said Sgt. J. Drum of the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Once Brown was able to open the door, officers were amazed at what they found. Freshly used needles to inject drugs, a used can of Red Bull used to cook cocaine, and a baby in a less than healthy environment.

“There was a car seat in the back, spoiled milk in a bottle. It was just crazy," Drum said.

Brown admitted to officers that they’d just purchased drugs from a prostitute, and had used the drugs while the baby was in the car. Now keep in mind that while all this was going on, the car was still running, the baby was within reach of the needles and cocaine, and there was no adult showing even an ounce of responsibility.

“There’s a total disregard for her well being, her baby’s well being – and anybody around her. It’s just tragic," Drum said.

Brown is a registered convicted felon in Lee County. She’s got 11 previous arrests on a whole barrage of charges including drugs, drunk driving, burglary, theft and illegal use of credit cards. Detectives say she’s likely to be hanging around areas prevalent for drug sales, and that all they need is that one call to track her down.

“Maybe a family member is concerned and they want to get her help. We’ll get her the help she needs," Drum said.

Once she’s found, Brown will be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars – and this time, maybe she’ll learn to change her ways. As for the man holding her baby, Louis Trasatti, he’s back in jail right now – arrested in July for DUI manslaughter.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Abbey Brown, or any other fugitive in Southwest Florida, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.