A Chattanooga woman who was seen dropping her child in a “viral” Facebook live video had her preliminary hearing delayed after prosecution asked for more time to process documentation.
Tybresha Sexton, 24, was seen on a Facebook live-stream in what has been described as a “disturbing” video involving a month-old child. She could be seen smoking a cigarette close to her child, holding the child up with one arm, and then dropping it on the bed.
The prosecuting attorney, Charlie Minor, told Judge Gerald Webb Jr.
that prosecution needed more time to go through her medical records. He said that while the state did not wish to keep her detained indefinitely, the state also did not feel comfortable releasing her on bond. Prosecutor Minor said the state was trying to find a “happy medium” between protecting Ms. Sexton’s rights, and protecting her child, who is now residing with Ms. Sexton’s mother.
Ms. Sexton’s attorney, Jay Perry, seemed incredulous about the fact that the video caused his client to go to jail in the first place. He stressed that no injuries were sustained as a result of actions shown in the video.
“It’s not a crime to create a moral outrage with a viral video. This case is severely overcharged,” said attorney Perry, who continued by saying, “The only person hurt by this is Ms. Sexton. The child is safe with Ms. Sexton’s mother. The child was never injured in the first place.”
Prosecutor Minor reiterated the need to protect the month-old victim, and asked Judge Webb about a possible new date to have the preliminary hearing. A date of next Tuesday was agreed upon by the parties. Attorney Perry told the court his client did not have access to necessary medication at Silverdale Correctional Facility. Judge Webb said he would address that.
Ms. Sexton also drank a bottle of vodka during the video. After neighbors called police, law enforcement said Ms. Sexton smelled of alcohol. When speaking to the police, Ms. Sexton allegedly said she “didn’t want that (expletive) baby anyway.”
One of those officers will supposedly be present at Tuesday’s hearing, and it is hoped that the state will have the necessary information to proceed. Judge Webb said “If the state is unable to move forward on that date, we may have a full resolution.”
Ms. Sexton has a long and varied criminal background. These include resisting arrest, violating probation by possessing drugs, carjacking, and theft.