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Doctors find meth in baby’s system, mother facing neglect charges

KFOR.com, September 26, 2013

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – A Washington County mother is now facing neglect charges after doctors found methamphetamine in her baby’s system.

Authorities said 39-year-old Anita Ruth Tate took her 14-month-old baby to the doctor Tuesday because she said she thought her daughter was allergic to some unknown substance.

Tate said her daughter was always crying and had redness around her nose and mouth, according to the Tulsa World.

According to court affidavits, when doctors confronted Tate about finding meth in her daughter’s system, she admitted to using the drug.

The Tulsa World reported Tate said she could have dropped some of the drug on the floor and her baby could have been exposed by accident.

“I smoke it, I know I’m white trash,” Tate told deputies. “I have her all the time, every day. I’m the only one she’s ever with. Even though I’m a dope head, I love my child.”

Tate told authorities she only smokes meth on Tuesdays and Wednesdays because her 9-year-old child is with her the other days, the Tulsa World reported.

She also told deputies the baby’s father did meth while she was pregnant but she never did meth while carrying her child, according to court documents.

Deputies said they also found a baggie of marijuana under Tate’s arm when they took her into custody.