WOMAN CHARGED WITH CHILD ENDANGERMENT

A Lone Tree woman who turned herself in to authorities Monday for allegedly
smoking marijuana in the presence of her children said she used the drug to
self-medicate.

Juanita Marie Walker, 48, was charged with child endangerment and
possession of a schedule I controlled substance after her children
reportedly told Lone Tree school authorities last month that their mom used
drugs in their home.

Steve Hayslett of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office said Walker
voluntarily came to the county courthouse Monday, 10 days after state
Department of Human Services called the sheriff to her residence upon
allegedly finding an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

Court records show the Feb. 28 investigation started after Lone Tree school
authorities notified Human Services that Walker's children said she used
drugs in the residence.

Walker allegedly admitted to authorities to buying and smoking the
marijuana to alleviate an undisclosed medical condition, court records show.

Hayslett said he did not know the age or number of children who were living
with Walker at the time of the investigation.