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Jonesboro mother arrested after test shows baby was exposed to ‘high levels’ of cocaine and meth

Jonesboro mother arrested after test shows baby was exposed to ‘high levels’ of cocaine and meth

Photo: Contributed/Craighead County Sheriff's Office


Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Court documents state that a Jonesboro mother had exposed her three-month-old baby to multiple illicit substances and previously refused to surrender the baby to social workers.

District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Dec. 19 to charge 37-year-old Michelle Renae Moore with introducing a controlled substance into another’s body (Schedule I-III) and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor. The charges come after a report was filed with Jonesboro police Nov. 21 on Moore’s three-month-old baby who tested positive for meth and cocaine.

According to the affidavit, on Oct. 31, social workers made contact with Moore at her home and saw meth on the living room table, a car seat, and a baby tub that had a pillow and blankets. Moore told officers that she did not have a bed for the child and had not found a primary care physician for them.

The social workers requested a drug screen from Moore, testing positive for meth and amphetamine. Thus, a 72-hour hold was placed on the baby, but Moore refused to hand the infant over, so officers were called to the scene to assist.

The affidavit said Moore was later arrested for failure to appear and possession of drug paraphernalia charges. When searching her, a meth pipe was found inside her bra.

On Nov. 3, a re-assessment was completed due to concerns from police about Moore’s drug issues, homelessness, and her latest arrest. Meanwhile, the baby was taken to a children’s clinic on Nov. 4, 5, and 19.

A hair follicle sample taken from the baby was tested and tested positive for “high levels” of amphetamine, meth, benzoylecgonine, and cocaine. As a result, a bench warrant was issued for Moore, and she was arrested on Dec. 18.

Moore is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash/surety bond. In addition, Fowler ordered Moore that she have no contact with the victim.

Moore’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.

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