Child abuse and neglect charges levied

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- On Friday around 10 pm, LaFollette Police Officer Isiah Lawson was dispatched to 712 East Fir Street about an alleged overdose. When he arrived, he spoke with Mary Elizabeth Ridenour who was inside the house with first responders and emergency medical services. Ridenour reported to Officer Lawson that she had allegedly used Heroin, according to a report from the LaFollette Police Department

A witness at the scene told police that she heard Ridenour fall in the bathroom and went to check on her and found her overdosing on the bathroom floor. At this point, the witness administered Narcan to Ridenour.

During the course of the investigation, Lawson discovered that Ridenour’s two juvenile children were present during the time she overdosed. Officers made a referral to the Department of Children’s Services and requested an emergency response.  Officers found a large number of hypodermic syringes in the bedroom lying in plain view along with several small clear bags that had a residue inside of them. Also found at the scene was a burnt spoon, several filters and a tourniquet. Ridenour was transported to LaFollette Medical Center for medical treatment.

Ridenour, 41, 1308 Loop Road, LaFollette was charged with child abuse and neglect. Ridenour is next due in court on April first and remains free this morning on a $2,500 secure bond, according to jail records. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/25/2025-6AM)

Related