Baby Tested Positive for Drugs, Mother Arrested for Cruelty to a Juvenile

According to a media release, deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office were called out to a local hospital on Thursday, September 26, at about 5:00 pm, in regards to possible cruelty to a juvenile. The hospital staff told deputies that "a 16-month-old girl had tested positive for methamphetamines".

An investigation was conducted where the mother, Latoya N. Rideau, 32, Lake Charles, told deputies she used meth while breastfeeding. She was also found in possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.

During booking, Rideau had two additional bags of meth "clinched" in her hands. Deputies asked if she had any more drugs, to which she said no. During a search, another bag of meth was found "concealed" in her bra.

Rideau is charged with 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile; possession of CDS II; possession of drug paraphernalia; illegal use of CDS in the presence of a juvenile; introduction of contraband into a penal institution; and obstruction of justice. Her bond is set at $12,000.