© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Officer Who Adopted Addicted Baby Says Parents Recovering

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Albuquerque police officer who drew the praise of President Donald Trump for adopting the baby of a heroin addict said the infant's biological parents are finishing rehab on their way to recovery.

Officer Ryan Holets recently posted on his Facebook page that Crystal Champ and Tom Key are approaching 90 days of sobriety.

"So amazed at the challenges they have overcome to get where they are," said Holets, who started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the couple. "Thank you to everyone who has helped."

The officer has raised nearly $25,000 for the couple's housing after their rehabilitation stints. In addition, Champ and Key also received a scholarship to enter the live-in rehabilitation center.

Holets and his wife, Rebecca, were honored by Trump during his State of the Union speech in January for adopting the addicted baby girl the couple named Hope. She is now 4 months old.

Authorities say Holets and his partner found Champ and Key homeless and using heroin near a convenience store in September.

"Are you pregnant? Why are you doing that stuff?" Holets was heard asking a barefoot Champ on footage from his lapel camera. "You are going to kill your baby."

An emotional Champ told Holets the addiction was controlling her life and she would probably put her baby up for adoption.

Instead of arresting them for drug possession, the officers worked to find treatment for the couple. Holets later offered to adopt Champ's baby after she was born.

Albuquerque officials called his act selfless and said it gave the infant a chance at a new life while drawing attention to the rampaging opioid epidemic.

In New Mexico, an estimated 5 percent of babies are born addicted to opioids, overwhelming hospitals, law enforcement and social workers.

Holets and his wife already had four children: a 5-year-old daughter, 4-year-old twin boys and 10-month-old girl. The couple had previously discussed adoption.