No child-abuse charge for Neb. meth baby’s mom
By The Associated Press
GRAND ISLAND— The Hall County prosecutor says he can’t file child-abuse charges against the mother of a newborn who tested positive for meth.
Hall County Attorney Mark Young says Nebraska law doesn’t consider injury to a fetus to be child abuse.
Young says it is outrageous that a pregnant woman would use methamphetamine. He says the case shows that users need more treatment options.
The baby girl was born June 14 at St. Francis Medical Center and soon after tested positive.
Her mother, 26-year-old Sandra Wetzel, is under arrest on other allegations. Court documents say she bounced checks in Sherman and Howard counties.
State officials have taken the baby, and a case has been opened to determine who will have custody of her.
Tags: child abuse, Grand Island, Meth
