Mother of Train Victims Denies Drug Charges

Jackie Robles, whose two young daughters were struck and killed by a Metrolink commuter train in Upland in October, pleaded not guilty Thursday to being under the influence of drugs when she was pulled over for a traffic stop in December.

Robles, who remains free on bail, is charged with two misdemeanor counts, one of being under the influence of methamphetamine and one of driving while under the influence of the illicit drug, said San Bernardino County Deputy Dist. Atty. Chuck Fredgren.

If convicted, Robles could face 90 days to a year in jail. Trial was set for March 23. A conviction could further complicate her efforts to regain custody of her infant son, who was taken from her the day of the train tragedy.

After her daughters were struck when playing on the tracks--as Robles slept in her nearby apartment--tests showed methamphetamine in her blood. She was arrested but later released after prosecutors said they could not determine whether the drugs affected her judgment the day of the deaths.

Since authorities took her baby, Robles has been seeking his return. The boy is now in the custody of relatives, and Robles is allowed to see him frequently.

Robles and Fernando Soto, father of one of the train victims, 22-month-old Deziree Soto, have filed a $30-million wrongful-death suit against Metrolink, alleging that the tracks should have been fenced off. Last week, Eddie Ortiz Jr., father of the other victim, 3-year-old Alexus Robles, filed a similar claim against Metrolink.