DRUG CASE INFANT IS WITH MOM

The Fetus Became An Issue After The Mother And Two Other People Were
Arrested On Drug Charges

CLAREMORE -- A fetus recently placed in the Department of Human Service's
custody by a judge is now a bouncing baby boy living with his mother under
close DHS scrutiny.

Julie Starks, who gave birth a few weeks ago, has been ordered to stand
trial on drug charges, along with the child's father and another man.

At the end of a preliminary hearing Monday, Special Judge Joe Smith ordered
Starks, Jimmy Ravon Cook Jr. and Eric Phalon Sample to stand trial on
charges of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, unlawful possession
of a controlled drug and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The three, all of whom are free on bail, are to reappear Dec. 16 before
Associate District Judge Jack Mayberry.

Starks' pregnancy and the welfare of the unborn fetus became an issue after
her arrest on the drug charges in August.

She was arrested, along with Cook and Sample, at a Catoosa residence where
she had been living with Cook.

On Aug. 23, Rogers County sheriff's deputies, while executing a search
warrant at the residence, discovered materials used in making methamphetamine.

Prompted by the "unsafe" living conditions found at the residence and the
mother's alleged drug use, Rogers County Assistant District Attorney Jim
Ely asked the court to rule the fetus a deprived child so as to guarantee
prenatal care.

Starks said Monday that the child is still in state custody -- the result
of a second deprived child hearing after the child was born -- but is
living with her at her aunt and uncle's residence in Catoosa. Her aunt and
uncle have guardianship, she said.

The deprived child ruling is on appeal, she said.

Shortly after Starks' August arrest, conditions were placed on her making
bail. To get her $100,000 reduced to a manageable sum, Starks was to live
in a stable, supervised environment and receive proper nutrition and
medical care, as well as remain under DHS supervision.

As a result, Starks accepted her aunt's, Margaret Armstrong, offer to live
with her.

In the recent deprived child hearing, Starks said a doctor testified that
there were no signs indicating that she had ever injected methamphetamine.

Starks said the baby tested negative for drugs at birth. He was born
weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces and was 20-1/2 inches long.

Starks said her milk is tested frequently for signs of drugs, as well as
its nutritional level.

Starks said she has constant supervision when she's with her son, as well
as frequent visits from the DHS.

``Whatever I have to do to keep my child, I'll do," Starks said.