WASHINGTON — A Manassas woman was arrested and charged with child abuse after she allegedly fed an infant methadone, police said.

Authorities said Jessica F. Nicholson, 31, was attempting to calm the infant by feeding the 3-month-old the opiate substance.

Nicholson was arrested after the infant was drug-tested at a hospital after being admitted “in a state of respiratory distress” on Dec. 3, police said.

It’s not clear if Nicholson is related to the child.

The infant is expected to recover without any long-term complications.

Nicholson is set to appear in court on Feb. 7.

Anyone with information about this case in asked to call the Manassas City Police Department at 703-257-8092 or Manassas Park Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330.