Man convicted of injecting meth in pregnant woman

ST. LOUIS -- An eastern Missouri man faces sentencing Dec. 28 after being convicted of several methamphetamine-related charges, including the first-ever federal conviction for providing meth to a pregnant woman.

John Schropp Jr., 24, of Sullivan, was convicted Thursday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute meth; possession of pseudoephedrine for the manufacture of meth; and providing meth to a pregnant woman.

He could face up to 10 years in prison on each count.

"Testimony at trial detailed that Mr. Schropp frequently injected methamphetamine into a woman who was visibly pregnant," U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said, noting her office "will continue our efforts to shut down these home meth labs and protect our children from this horrible drug."

Schropp was one of 10 people originally charged in the case. The other nine previously pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a Franklin County meth-manufacturing operation. Authorities say the suspects made the drug at a home in St. Clair.