OHIO TEENAGER TURNS IN MOM'S CRACK PIPE

MEDINA, Ohio, - Ohio law enforcement officers have
praised a 14- year-old middle school girl for turning in her mother
for allegedly using crack cocaine.

The teenager gave her guidance counselor a crack pipe she says she
took from her mother's belongings, leading to her mother's arrest.

Linda Martin, 40, was arrested on felony charges of crack possession
because of residue on the pipe. Detectives said they found other crack
pipes and cigarette rolling papers but no drugs in the mother's
subsidized apartment.

A police official characterized the girl's bringing of the crack pipe
to school as a cry for help because the mother's alleged addiction was
ruining their lives.

Medina, Ohio, Detective James Bigam told the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer
the mother and daughter hugged one another as the rooms were being
searched. ``It was sad. She just wanted to help her mother. She's been
there when people came to use, buy and sell and just got tired of it.''

An affidavit filed with the search warrant revealed the authorities
had been previously involved with Martin's boyfriend, Kenneth Coats.
He was indicted twice last year for possessing crack cocaine - cases
that are pending in Medina County Court.

Martin is being held in lieu of $20,000 bond pending possible grand
jury indictment. The high bond was sought because prosecutors
considered Martin a flight risk, due to the possible loss of her
housing subsidy.

The girl is now living with her father in Cleveland.