Mallory Loyola, 26, of Madisonville gave birth to a baby girl on Sunday, July 6th. Two days later, Loyola was arrested and charged with simple assault.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Loyola and her young daughter both tested positive for amphetamine at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Deputies say Loyola admitted to smoking meth three to four days before giving birth to her child.

State officials say to their knowledge Loyola is the first in the state to be charged under a new Tennessee law that took effect on July 1st. The new law states “a woman may be prosecuted for assault for the illegal use of a narcotic drug while pregnant, if her child is born addicted to or harmed by the narcotic drug”.

“It’s sad to see a child not getting an opportunity to come drug-free and given a chance. We want to see our children have a chance in life,” said Monroe County Sheriff Bill Bivens. “Children need the chance and it’s sad when you see children who come out born into the world already addicted to drugs.”

Loyola has an arrest history with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office that dates back to August 2012. She’s faced several charges of possession of methamphetamine and violation of probation and has spent some time behind bars.

No bond has yet been set for Loyola regarding her newest charge of simple assault. She remains in the Monroe County jail.

The Department of Children’s Services said the newborn baby is not yet in state custody, as they continue to investigate.