Pubdate: Tue, 11 Mar 2003
Source: Daily Iowan, The (IA Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Iowan
Contact:  http://www.dailyiowan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/937
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

WOMAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Lone Tree woman who turned herself in to authorities Monday for allegedly 
smoking marijuana in the presence of her children said she used the drug to 
self-medicate.

Juanita Marie Walker, 48, was charged with child endangerment and 
possession of a schedule I controlled substance after her children 
reportedly told Lone Tree school authorities last month that their mom used 
drugs in their home.

Steve Hayslett of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office said Walker 
voluntarily came to the county courthouse Monday, 10 days after state 
Department of Human Services called the sheriff to her residence upon 
allegedly finding an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

Court records show the Feb. 28 investigation started after Lone Tree school 
authorities notified Human Services that Walker's children said she used 
drugs in the residence.

Walker allegedly admitted to authorities to buying and smoking the 
marijuana to alleviate an undisclosed medical condition, court records show.

Hayslett said he did not know the age or number of children who were living 
with Walker at the time of the investigation.
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