Mother arrested after newborn tests positive for methamphetamine

A Jones County mother was arrested on Tuesday after her newborn tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. The mother, Tierra Lewis, 25, was on bond from a previous felony charge.

“Back in May, we received a CPS referral in reference to a newborn at South Central Hospital who tested positive for amphetamine and meth,” said JCSD Sgt. J.D. Carter to WDAM. “And after receiving medical reports, we were able to confirm that the male child was positive for meth and amphetamine, so that’s what resulted in the arrests yesterday for the mother.”

According to the report, authorities have noticed an upward trend of children with drugs in their system. Carter pointed out there are options for those who struggle with drug addiction.

“The end goal is the child’s safety,” said Carter. “That’s the primary goal, to keep the child safe and also get the parents some kind of help. It’s not all about just putting them in a penitentiary and separating the kids from the parents. If we can reunite both of them completely clean, then to me, that’s a success story.”

Due to the fact that Lewis was on bond from a previous felony charge, Jones County Judge Grant Hedgepeth revoked her bond. She remains in custody at the Jones County Adult Detention Center.