A Rogers County jury found a Claremore woman guilty this week after testimony revealed years of alleged abuse and illegal drug production inside a home located just steps from an elementary school. The case centered on a teenage girl’s claims that her mother’s behavior escalated while using hallucinogenic substances.
CLAREMORE, OK – Lyndsay Spegal, 41, was convicted Wednesday on one count each of child abuse, child neglect, and endeavoring to manufacture a controlled substance, according to court records. Jurors recommended sentences of 15 years for abuse, 25 years for neglect, and 20 years for the drug charge following a trial that detailed both physical violence and drug activity inside the home.
The investigation began in July when police received a report that a teenage girl had been slapped. During interviews, the girl told investigators her mother became violent while using drugs, including DMT, a powerful hallucinogen. She also alleged a pattern of physical and emotional abuse spanning several years.
Drug operation discovered near elementary school
A search of the residence uncovered six jars of liquid believed to be DMT, along with materials used to grow psilocybin mushrooms, smoking devices, and seeds, according to law enforcement. Authorities noted the home sits approximately 287 feet from Westside Elementary School.
Spegal admitted to growing mushrooms, telling officers she began about a month prior after purchasing supplies online. She also described DMT as “a gift from God and changes lives,” according to police reports.
During questioning, Spegal gave multiple explanations for the incident involving her daughter. She initially claimed she slapped the girl to treat an ear infection, later stating it was in response to profanity, while again referencing the ear issue.
Testimony details allegations of long-term abuse
In court, the teenager testified her mother slapped her twice during a recent argument and described prior incidents, including one that caused her ear to bleed. Prosecutors presented body camera footage of officers speaking with the girl about the alleged abuse.
The state called nine witnesses, including the girl’s guardian, relatives, a social worker, and law enforcement personnel. The guardian testified she observed handprints on the girl’s face and sought emergency custody after the teen expressed fear of returning home.
A relative also testified to witnessing Spegal become violent while under the influence of drugs.
Spegal represented herself during the trial and directly questioned her daughter. “Don’t you think parents have a right to discipline their children?” Spegal asked in court.
“Yes, but they don’t have the right to hit them,” the girl responded.
At another point, Spegal told her daughter, “Can’t you see the things I did to you, were out of love?”
Sentencing is scheduled for June 30.
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