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“Batwoman” charged in federal court on drug charge

A Silvis woman who pleaded guilty in a road rage bat attack has now been charged in federal court, accused of making and distributing the drug methamphetamine. ...

A Silvis woman who pleaded guilty in a road rage bat attack has now been charged in federal court, accused of making and distributing the drug methamphetamine.

Maralee West was arrested Friday, July 19, 2013 on drug charges initially filed in state court in Rock Island County. On Wednesday, July 24, those charges were dismissed and a new charge was filed in federal court in Rock Island, Illinois.

At her first appearance, West appeared shaken and almost cried when she saw her mother in the courtroom.

"I just think they're making a bunch of stuff up," said Karen Newman, West's mother. "My daughter's a good girl."

In June of 2012, West pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in a bat attack after a road rage incident in a bank parking lot. She was sentenced to 24 months probation.

"The deal with the bat, she was protecting her wife," said Newman. "She just hit the top of the car door. She could have beat them all up in the hospital if she wanted to, but she didn't," Newman said.

Drug agents from the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group raided West's apartment Friday and say they found a working meth lab in the trash in front of her home, and materials to make the drug inside.

Investigators say more people could be charged in connection with the case.

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