Shannah M. Cotter

     A Gamaliel woman, 27 year old SHANNAH M. COTTER, has been arrested and charged with introducing a controlled substance into the body of another person following an investigation into the abuse of a 10 month old female child. 

     On April 11th, the 10 month old child was taken to Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home for injuries sustained as a result of possible child abuse.  The Sheriff’s Office was called to the hospital to take the report.  The child was subsequently taken to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital for further examination.  On April 12th, 28 year old DUSTIN SANDOVAL of Mountain Home was arrested for domestic battery and child endangerment in this incident. 

     As part of the examination of the child, a hair follicle toxicology test was conducted.  The results of this test returned positive for methamphetamine and THC exposure. 

     The investigation indicated that the child had resided either primarily with her mother, SHANNAH COTTER, or her father DUSTIN SANDOVAL, for her entire life.  During an interview, SHANNAH COTTER stated that the child was with her most of the time

     On June 26th, a judge found probable cause to arrest SHANNAH COTTER on a class Y felony count of Introducing of a Controlled Substance into the Body of Another.  She was arrested on July 1st and taken to the Baxter County Detention Center to be booked.  She remains in custody in lieu of $25,000 bond and will appear before the Circuit Court to answer on July 11th.

     A warrant of arrest is also pending for DUSTIN SANDOVAL on the same charge.  

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff