Bergen County woman arrested in connection with overdose death of 12-year-old

Bergen County

By: Richard L. Smith

Today, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella reported the arrest of Ms. Frances Caso, 48, of Fort Lee, on several charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, possession of controlled dangerous substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The arrest follows an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old girl.

According to a statement released by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, the investigation was conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, as well as the Fort Lee Police Department under the direction by chef Matthew Hintze.

On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 3:34 p.m., the Fort Lee Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a 12-year-old girl unresponsive at a private residence on Maple Street.

The girl was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.

Indicators of a possible drug overdose were noted, leading to a notification to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

Detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit, Narcotics Task Force and Special Victims Unit launched a joint investigation with the Fort Lee Police Department.

It was determined that Frances Caso and three other juveniles were present at the residence at the time of the suspected overdose.

A court-authorized search of the residence revealed several controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, Frances Caso was arrested and charged with several offenses, including endangering the welfare of a child and possession of controlled dangerous substances.

She was booked into the Bergen County Jail and is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.

The investigation into the fatal dose of drugs ingested by the victim is ongoing.