Butte mom faces federal drug charges

 BUTTE (AP) — A 29-year-old woman who fled the Anaconda hospital after she and her newborn tested positive for methamphetamine now faces federal drug charges.

Michelle Renee Yallup of Butte is one of 17 people who have been arraigned in a conspiracy that federal prosecutors say brought meth from Los Angeles and distributed it in Great Falls, Havre and Butte.

She is charged with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy involving firearms and drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Yallup was served with a warrant Thursday.

Yallup has pleaded not guilty to the state charge that she signed her sister’s name when she checked into the Anaconda hospital on June 17.

Her hospital bill was nearly $13,400. Officials say Yallup fled with the baby against medical advice.

She was arrested at a truck stop near Willard, Utah, after a monthlong search.

Officials have not released an update on the child, who was in the care of Utah child protective services after Yallup’s arrest.