Meth Mother Gets 5 Years In Prison

Prosecutors say they doubt Denise Chacon will be the last Idaho mother whose child was born with traces of methamphetamine in his system.

Chacon has been sentenced to five years in prison for felony injury to a child.

Sixth District Judge Peter McDermott retained jurisdiction in the case and requested the American Falls woman be sent through a “rider” program at the state women’s prison in Pocatello.

If Chacon successfully completes the 120-day program, McDermott will decide whether to modify her sentence.

She was charged with the crime after giving birth to a boy in January.

“This is an indicator of the methamphetamine addiction in our community,” Power County Prosecutor Paul Laggis said. “Pregnant mothers aren’t immune to it. The more entrenched meth gets into our community, the more of this we will be seeing.”