COHOES – City police said Friday they're investigating an allegation that the mother of a six-week-old may have sold the infant to the man who was later charged with manslaughter and assault in the boy's apparent drug overdose death.

The claim made on social media sites that Anthony Ojeda, 38, bought Eli Harmon-Ojeda from Daisy Harmon is the latest twist in the case, which became public Dec. 3 when the baby was rushed to Albany Medical Center Hospital for treatment after allegedly ingesting a drug in his crib. He died there later that day.

“That has come up. The investigation is ongoing. Nothing has been determined,” Assistant Police Chief Tom Ross said.

Cohoes detectives are coordinating their investigation with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. Police say they have questions about the relationship between Harmon and Ojeda. The initial police reports identified Ojeda as the “child’s biological father.” Since then it has been revealed that he is not.

“No charges have been filed in relation to those allegations and the entire matter remains under review,” said Cecilia Walsh, a spokeswoman for District Attorney David Soares. “As this case is currently open and pending, we are unable to comment further.”

Albany County Public Defender Stephen W. Herrick, whose office represents Ojeda, declined to comment Friday about the investigation into whether the baby was purchased.

Eli was born Oct. 17 at his mother’s home in Troy, then they were taken to a hospital, police said. At that point, Rensselaer County Child Protective Services became involved, authorities say.

At some point, Ojeda was given “sole temporary custody,” said Albany County Coroner Timothy Cavanaugh, citing information he was told by Rensselaer County CPS workers.

Court testimony revealed that Ojeda was taking care of Eli full-time and was supported by his husband. Cohoes police said CPS representatives visited Ojeda’s apartment to check it before the infant went to live there and then again after the infant moved in.

On Oct. 29, Eli was examined at Albany Med where a doctor called CPS to report possible skull injuries, police said. CPS contacted Cohoes police, which sent detectives to investigate, but determined that the bruise the child may have sustained didn't rise to the level of criminal charges, police said.

On Dec. 3 a neighbor told police the child needed medical assistance and the lead detective went to the Van Vechten Street apartment where Ojeda, his husband and the child lived. After Eli died that day, a Cohoes detective and a State Police investigator immediately interviewed Ojeda. An examination at the hospital revealed the infant had broken ribs that were mending, police said. The baby is believed to have died from ingesting methampethamine, police said.

During the interview, police said, Ojeda allegedly implicated himself in handling the child roughly on the night of Nov. 2 and 3, saying he was awakened by the crying child in the crib next to his bed, grabbed him by the chest and forcibly picked him up. Ojeda also spoke of potential harm to the child while removing him from a baby safety seat on Nov. 7 in an Albany Med parking lot.

Ojeda was arrested Dec. 3 and charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault, both felonies. A preliminary hearing was held by Cohoes City Court Judge Thomas Marcelle on Dec. 9.

The Albany County District Attorney’s Office presented evidence related to the second-degree assault count. Marcelle ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold Ojeda over for grand jury action. Ojeda was sent back to the county jail in lieu of bail. Under the state’s bail reforms taking effect Jan. 1, Ojeda could be held on bail for the assault count, while he would have been released without posting bail for the manslaughter charge.

Police were contacting CPS about its interactions with the child and were awaiting case files to sent across the Hudson River. Ross,the assistant chief, said the Rensselaer County agency eventually turned over records related to the case. He has declined to discuss what the records contain.

On Dec. 12, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin asked the state Office of Children and Family Services to review the county office's operations in the case. McLaughlin also asked Cohoes Mayor-elect William Keeler to review the city police’s handling of child protective cases.

When asked Friday about the state investigation, Richard Crist, a spokesman for McLaughlin and the county director of operations, said, “Any investigation or inquiry into a CPS matter is complied with by the county.”

When asked regarding if CPS had vetted Ojeda for taking custody of the child, Crist repeated previous statements that state law requires CPS “investigations to remain confidential." Crist further said, “ CPS is not authorized to conduct a criminal investigation.”

While police continue to investigate the case, Cavanaugh learned that Eli’s small body was still in the morgue at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady two weeks after the autopsy was performed there. Cavanaugh and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple joined forces and were able to secure family permission for Eli’s release from the morgue and burial.

Ojeda had agreed to sign the necessary paperwork to secure Eli from the morgue, but at the last moment didn’t do so after receiving legal advice, Cavanaugh said. Harmon signed the papers instead Thursday, the coroner said.

Harmon had told officials she was entering rehab for her drug addiction issues, but did not do so, Cavanaugh said. They were able to locate her and obtain her signature as a result, he said.

Police confirmed that Harmon is wanted on a bench warrant for grand larceny from Guilderland Town Court.

A wake and service will be held for Eli on Monday at the Dufresne and Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. It is open to the public. The viewing will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a service there at 6:30 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Geoffrey Burke.

Cavanaugh said all of the arrangements for the child’s service have been donated. The service is expected to be attended by staff from Albany Med and police officers working on the case.

“We just want justice for the child,” Ross said.