The Lee County Sheriff’s Office today said that on Sunday, June 13, deputies were notified a 21-month-old child had been left home alone while family responded to the Lee Memorial Health Park Hospital emergency room. The incident occurred at 15790 Portofino Springs Blvd., Unit #1801, Fort Myers.

A deputy went to the residence to find the garage and front doors were wide open, according to Larry King, a public information officer with the Sheriff’s Office. He said the child was found alone and unharmed.

When deputies went inside the home, they discovered marijuana plans in plain view, King said.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Narcotics Unit and Forensics Unit collaborated in continuance of the investigation. A search warrant was requested, granted and served at the residence on Sunday, King said. Four marijuana plants, a small plastic bag of cocaine and drug paraphernalia were located throughout the home.

In the second floor bedroom, a marijuana cultivating operation was discovered with 25 planters of soil, overhead lights, fans and an air conditioning duct modified to cool the lights. Trails of soil, the disturbed pots and other evidence indicated numerous plants had been moved recently, King said.

Detectives have arrested and charged 24-year-old Whitney Simonson with one count each of marijuana manufacturing, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was transported to the Lee County Jail.