ATLANTIC CITY — A South Jersey mother who police said was high on drugs when she rolled over in bed and crushed her 7-month-old daughter has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.

Lisa M. Scalia, now 32, was charged by Atlantic County Acting Prosecutor Diane Ruberton in January with being under the influence of narcotics and possession of suboxone, oxycodone, heroin, and Lyrica when police responded to her Ventnor home.

The child, Olaia Marie, was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and then to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where the girl died. In September, Ruberton raised the charges to first-degree aggravated assault.

The state also claimed in September that Scalia “recklessly caused the death of gave the infant" by giving her methodone while in her care.

Olaia's father, Marco Mejia, at the time defended Scalia after people attacked her verbally on Facebook.

"Please please stop the hate on Facebook it's infantile … we need to unite in love… Lisa Marie will answer to GOD," he wrote.

Scalia, as part of a negotiated plea agreement, pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison. She must serve 85 percent of her sentence before she is eligible for parole.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.

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