DECATUR, Alabama -- An accused methamphetamine user and maker could be in jail for a long time while her newborn is monitored for meth-related health problems.
Decatur police report the suspect, 27-year-old Breanna Magdalena Lopez, gave birth to a baby boy who tested positive for amphetamines and opiates. The child was born on Oct. 14 at Decatur Morgan Hospital.
The baby's tests triggered a joint investigation by the Morgan County Department of Human Resources and the Decatur Police Department. Police report investigators have determined Lopez smoked and injected crystal meth while she knew she was pregnant.
Lopez was picked up on an active failure to appear warrant on Monday. She was subsequently charged with chemical endangerment of a child. At the time of this arrest, Lopez was on bond for charges of first-degree unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show these charges stem from a March arrest. The Morgan County district attorney's office is trying to have that bond revoked. Lopez is being held in the Decatur City Jail in the meantime.
Police said it is not yet known if the baby will suffer any long-term effects or disabilities as a result of the drug exposure.