BEDFORD — A Bedford woman is facing a felony drug charge after authorities allege methamphetamine was discovered concealed on her body while she was receiving medical treatment following a suspected overdose.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Officer Thomas Porter began investigating the case on June 29 after reviewing an active overdose call from the previous shift. During that review, Porter learned that 23-year-old Teegan Ray-Burton had been transported to IU Health Bedford for treatment of a medical emergency and possible overdose. He also learned Ray-Burton had an outstanding warrant for unlawful possession of a syringe.
Hospital police later notified Porter that emergency department staff had recovered a small plastic bag containing a white crystal-like substance from Ray-Burton during the course of her medical treatment. An IU Health police officer secured the bag until Porter arrived to take custody of the evidence.
According to the affidavit, the substance was field-tested and yielded a positive result for methamphetamine. The evidence was collected and submitted into the department’s evidence system.
After Ray-Burton was medically cleared, she was transported to the Lawrence County Jail on the outstanding warrant. Porter later interviewed her after advising her of her Miranda rights.
During the interview, Ray-Burton allegedly told investigators she had been at a residence on Mill Creek Road to comfort a friend when another individual overdosed. She told police that when law enforcement arrived, a man allegedly threw her the bag containing suspected methamphetamine. According to the affidavit, Ray-Burton admitted she concealed the bag inside her body to avoid detection.
Based on the investigation, Porter requested a warrant charging Ray-Burton with Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine.
The charge is an allegation, and Ray-Burton is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
