Stepmom of slain disabled girl faces drug charges

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A federal grand jury in North Carolina has indicted a woman accused in the death of her 10-year-old disabled stepdaughter on charges of trafficking prescription medications.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said 43-year-old Elisa Baker was indicted Wednesday in Charlotte.

The indictment alleges Baker distributed and planned to distribute drugs including oxycodone and hydrocodone between 2006 and last October. She also is accused of conspiring with others to distribute the drugs.

In all, Baker faces seven counts. Combined, a punishment for all the charges could bring a prison sentence of up to 140 years.

Her lawyer did not immediately return a message left after hours seeking comment.

Baker is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Zahra Baker. Authorities say she dismembered the girl's body to cover up the slaying.