Mesa mother accused of smoking pot in front of kids and leaving them home alone

MESA, AZ - A Mesa mother was arrested on Wednesday after being accused of smoking marijuana in front of her children and leaving them home alone.

A neighbor at the apartment near Main Street and Extension Road had called police, and Mesa police said the children, both age 6, told an officer that it wasn't the first time they had come home from school at to an empty home.

Yvette Lopez, 36, faces five counts including child abuse, endangerment, and drug-related charges.

A Mesa police officer found an empty pill bottle at the residence, which one of the children said was for "bud."

"It appears the mom and boyfriend had been using marijuana in front of the children," said Mesa Police Det. Steve Berry. "They were very aware of what it was, where it was kept, those sorts of things."

Lopez was arrested when she arrived at the apartment two hours later, claiming she was out looking for a job, according to police.

Child Protective Services took custody of the children.