Mom at center of meth milk case appears in court

HILLSBORO, Ore. - A mother of five accused of knowingly endangering her daughter by breastfeeding meth-tainted milk to the toddler appeared in court on Tuesday.

Michelle Megan Hastings was arrested a few weeks ago and charged with criminal mistreatment after police say her daughter tested positive for methamphetamine.

Tuesday's court appearance was Hastings' first and the judge set a trial date for next month.  She faces 17 months in jail if convicted.

Hastings' family and friends are standing by her and contend that the woman should be given credit because she has not used meth for several months.

"She has been doing wonderful," said neighbor Lisa Lyche.  "For months and months she has been going to treatment programs daily, like several times, and different treatment programs every day."