A young Gilbert woman whose daughter reportedly remains in permanent vegetative state after nearly drowning in the bathtub is now facing criminal prosecution because of the incident.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas says a grand jury has indicted 24-year-old Amber Ferguson on one count each of child abuse, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Investigators allege Ferguson left her then 9-month-old daughter Katelynn unattended in the bathtub last February. Police also say they found marijuana in the home.

Thomas said in a statement that "while not every tragedy is a crime, there is evidence that this sad turn of events was both a tragedy and a crime."

Reproduced with permission from: The Arizona Republic ©Copyright 2008 Arizona Republic