A pregnant inmate at the Cannon County Jail has been granted a furlough after being denied one earlier this week for failing a court-ordered drug screen. Angela Hodge appeared before General Sessions Judge Susan Melton this week to request a furlough from the jail due to her pregnancy. Jail staff testified that Hodge is a high-risk pregnancy and that, should she remain in jail, her C-section would cost over $19,000.00. That expense would have to be borne by the County since she is an inmate. Before granting Hodge’s request, Judge Melton ordered her to take a drug screen. Hodge failed two court administered tests for methamphetamine. Stating that she had no other alternative, Judge Melton denied Hodge’s request based on the failed drug screens. However, Judge Melton said she would reconsider Hodge’s request if she passed a blood test.Hodge was taken back to the jail and administered a blood test. Friday, the results of that test came back negative for any drugs. Based on the new results, Judge Melton released Hodge on a furlough Friday evening.
Hodge’s furlough is for 90 days and she is required to turn herself back into jail on July 1st. While on furlough, Hodge is to maintain good and lawful conduct, stay away from drugs, have no association with felons and attend all doctor’s appointments.
