An Antigo woman accused injecting a then 12-year-old girl with Morphine, that eventually led to the child contracting Hepatitis C has pleaded not guilty.
The victim, now 13-years-old, said in early September, Nicole Bessert, 20 and another woman, Erikka Vancos, 19, were shooting up at at a home in Antigo. The victim said Bessert asked if she wanted to try it. The victim said no, but Bessert told Vancos to hold the victim's arm, while she ground up Morphine pills and put the powder in water.
According to the criminal complaint based on statements from the victim, Bessert then filled a syringe with the water/Morphine liquid and wrapped a thick, a strap around the victim's arm, and Vancos held the arm while Bessert stuck the syringe into it.
The victim's arm broke out in hives, her fingers began to swell, and she became tired, dizzy and unable to walk, according to the criminal complaint.
Bessert said if she told anyone, she would get beat up. She's charged with child abuse, false imprisonment and two counts of intimidating a victim.
Erikka Vancos is also charged in the case. She'll return to court March 18 for a status conference.
