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Las Cruces Woman Charged with Child Abuse after Infant Daughter Tests for Meth

A Las Cruces woman suspected of smoking methamphetamine near her 17-month-old daughter is charged with child abuse after police learned the toddler tested positive for the drug.

Marissa Dianne Garcia, 22, of the 600 block of Frank Maes Avenue, is charged with one third-degree felony count of child abuse.

On Oct. 13, Las Cruces police were dispatched to a single motor vehicle crash involving a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Las Cruces and Manzanita. The Corolla crashed into a wooden utility pole. Officers learned that the vehicle had a fictitious license plate along with several hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia inside.

Garcia was a passenger of the vehicle and, because she was on probation, was not permitted to be in possession or contact with illegal substances.

Upon further investigation, Garcia indicated to detectives that she used heroin and methamphetamine on that day. Investigators also learned that Garcia had left her 17-month-old daughter in the custody of a woman who is a convicted felon, and currently on supervision for DWI and child abuse.

Garcia also indicated to investigators that she tried to stay away from her daughter when she used heroin and methamphetamine, but after using the drugs would hold her young child.

Garcia was arrested Nov. 16 for violating terms of her probation. She remains incarcerated, on a no bond hold, at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Information from Las Cruces Police