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Newborn tests positive for meth

Dennis Webb

GLENWOOD SPRINGS ” A woman arrested on suspicion of using methamphetamine early in her pregnancy faces new charges after giving birth to a baby with the drug in its system, authorities say.

Tishe Marie Quintana, 26, of Glenwood Springs apparently used meth in the week before the Oct. 4 delivery of a baby girl, a Glenwood Springs police arrest affidavit states.

The baby, Justice Areala Burkholder, tested positive for the drug but appeared to be doing well and showing no symptoms of withdrawal, Glenwood police detective Amy Roggie said in the affidavit.



While meth use by mothers can result in low birth weights, Justice weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces at birth.

However, “Some of the injuries, ailments and conditions that this child may experience due to the exposure and use of methamphetamine are unknown and may remain unknown for years to come,” wrote Roggie.

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Quintana has been charged with child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, unlawful use of a controlled substance, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor by causing her baby to use a controlled substance. Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cheney called the latter “sort of a unique charge” for the circumstances.

Police say Quintana has a lengthy history of criminal charges that include several drug-related counts, child abuse, child cruelty, driving under the influence, driving while ability impaired, failure to appear, and check fraud.

Roggie writes that meth use by expecting mothers can cause spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries. Meth constricts blood flow through the placenta, and can cause elevated fetal blood pressure, fetal strokes, damage to the heart and other organs, nervous system and intestinal problems, and malformed extremities, research indicates.

One study found that 4 percent of babies born with meth in their system need withdrawal treatment, Roggie wrote in her affidavit. Some can be sleepy for weeks, to the point of not waking to feed. They also can be at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome, viral hepatitis and HIV.

“After this time, the infants behave more like a cocaine-exposed infant and are often jittery, irritable and have a shrill cry,” she wrote.

Vail Daily, Vail, Colorado


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