Dewey woman gives birth while authorities say she was drunk

A Washington County mother is in jail, facing charges of child neglect. Authorities say she was drunk when she gave birth. <br/><br/>Washington County Sheriffâ€™s deputies say 37-year-old Melissa Tanner

Thursday, July 14th 2005, 6:57 am

By: News On 6

A Washington County mother is in jail, facing charges of child neglect. Authorities say she was drunk when she gave birth.

Washington County Sheriffâ€™s deputies say 37-year-old Melissa Tanner of Dewey had been drinking when she had a baby girl on June 30th. An affidavit says Tanner told deputies she didn't know she was pregnant.

The report also says she considered herself to be an alcoholic, and was probably drunk twice a week during her pregnancy. A doctor's report shows Tanner's baby shows signs of fetal alcohol syndrome.

The baby is now in foster care. Tanner is jailed on $30,000.