Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

A 29-year-old Hartselle mother was arrested following an investigation on her after she gave birth and tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol back in November.

Laura Elizabeth Halbrooks, 29, of Hartselle was charged with chemical endangerment of a child on March 8 after she turned herself in to the Decatur Police Department.

On Nov. 3, 2016, Halbrooks gave birth to a baby girl at Decatur-Morgan Hospital, Parkway Campus. At the time of the infant’s birth she tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active substance in marihuana. A joint investigation was conducted by the Morgan County Department of Human Resources as well as the Decatur Police Department.

Four months later, on March 2, Detective Birchfield obtained a warrant for Halbrooks’ arrest for the charge of chemical endangerment of a child. 

On Wednesday, she turned herself into the Decatur Police Department. She was escorted and booked into the Decatur City Jail where she was arrested and charged with chemical endangerment of a child.

She was transferred to the Morgan County Jail on a $2,500 bond.

It is unknown at this time if the child will suffer any long-term effects or disabilities as a result of the drug exposure.