RENO, NV – A Reno woman has been sentenced to a decade behind bars after admitting to poisoning her year-old son with prescription medication over several months, according to authorities.

Alesha Martin, 25, received the 10-year sentence this week for willfully harming her child by secretly mixing clonidine—a medication not prescribed to the boy—into his food and drinks. Martin will be eligible for parole after serving four years, officials said.

The disturbing pattern came to light after the child endured a series of unexplained medical emergencies that led to numerous hospitalizations in both Nevada and Utah. Medical teams grew suspicious when toxicology screenings revealed the presence of clonidine, a drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure and ADHD. The medication had not been prescribed for the boy.

Concerns escalated when the child’s grandfather alerted police, reporting his suspicion that Martin was repeatedly poisoning her son. That tip prompted investigators to look deeper, eventually leading to Martin’s arrest in June 2025.

According to court documents, Martin acknowledged administering the medication at least four times, admitting she crushed up the pills and concealed them in the toddler’s milk or yogurt. Records indicate she continued the dosing even during her son’s hospital stays in Utah, including Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.

On multiple occasions, Martin confessed to giving her son clonidine, even citing specific dates in May 2025 when the boy was already under medical care. Authorities noted that just one day after the child was discharged from the hospital, Martin dosed him again, resulting in another emergency and readmission.

Martin told law enforcement she attempted to space out the doses by about a week to avoid causing further harm. Despite this claim, officials said her actions led to repeated health crises that endangered the boy’s life.

Law enforcement credited coordinated efforts among detectives, medical staff, child welfare agencies, and prosecutors for unraveling the case and ensuring the child’s safety. Martin ultimately pleaded guilty to a charge of willfully poisoning food, water, or medicine, with additional charges of child abuse mentioned in the initial filings.

The boy’s current medical condition has not been disclosed, but authorities emphasized that intervention and the swift response from the child’s support system played a crucial role in preventing further harm.

Martin was sentenced in Reno Township Justice Court earlier this week. Officials said the investigation represents a collaborative victory for law enforcement and child protection agencies in holding those responsible for child abuse fully accountable.