Phoenix woman indicted on child abuse, drug charges

PHOENIX - A Phoenix woman has been indicted on child abuse and drug charges after two children were found in a home during a January search by Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies.

On Wednesday, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard announced the indictment of Julia Teresa Varela-Valenzuela, 36, on six counts of child abuse, possession of marijuana for sale, money laundering, possession of drug paraphernalia and misconduct involving weapons.

According to the Attorney General's Office, members of the MCSO and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area detectives conducted a search of a residence near 55th Avenue and West Palm Lane in Phoenix looking for evidence of drug trafficking, specifically marijuana.

While serving the search warrant, detectives found two children, ages 2 and 11 in the home. Drugs were found on a dresser within reach of the children, and detectives say one of the children tried to grab one of the bags while detectives were conducting the search.

Underneath the 2-year-old's crib, detectives reportedly found a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a magazine containing live rounds of ammunition next to it.

Authorities say the 11-year-old is a special needs child who sustained a serious head injury in a 1996 auto accident. A third child, 15, also lived in the home but was not present at the time of the search.

The children were immediately placed in the care and custody of Child Protective Services.

More than 10 pounds of marijuana were found in the home, along with the weapon and numerous items of drug paraphernalia, scales and packaging material, authorities say.

Varela-Valenzuela could face between three and 12.4 years in prison on the most serious charges.