A disturbing case in Iowa has led to the arrest of a woman accused of secretly poisoning a homemade meal in an attempt to harm a pregnant woman.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly added a powerful drug to a tray of lasagna and delivered it to a family, hoping it would cause the victim to miscarry. Investigators uncovered the alleged plan after a lengthy investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Iowa Woman Accused of Drugging Lasagna to Cause Miscarriage
A 36-year-old Iowa woman, Amber Dena Snow, has been arrested after authorities say she intentionally placed a controlled substance inside a tray of lasagna and delivered it to a family that included a pregnant woman.
Snow now faces several felony charges, including:
- Attempted nonconsensual termination of a pregnancy
- Two counts of administering harmful substances to an adult
- Two counts of administering harmful substances to a juvenile
- Controlled substance violation
She is also charged with child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Investigation Began After Suspicious Lasagna Report
According to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation started in early January 2026 after authorities received a report about a family-size pan of lasagna that may have been contaminated with a controlled substance.
Detectives launched a detailed investigation with help from several agencies, including:
- The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
- The Decorah Police Department
- The Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office
Officials described the investigation as lengthy, involving multiple search warrants and evidence collection.
Authorities Say Two People Planned the Scheme
During the investigation, authorities discovered that Snow allegedly worked with another woman to carry out the plan.
Officials described the two women as co-conspirators who allegedly added a controlled substance to the lasagna before delivering it to a family on December 28, 2025.
Both suspects were detained and questioned during the investigation.
However, authorities said that only Snow has been formally charged so far.
Digital Evidence Revealed the Alleged Plan
Investigators said they uncovered electronic communications and internet search history that helped reveal the alleged plan.
According to law enforcement, messages and searches on the suspects’ devices showed activity before and after the lasagna was prepared and delivered.
Authorities say the evidence suggested the lasagna was intentionally prepared to harm a pregnant woman in the receiving family.
The goal, investigators say, was to cause the woman to miscarry.
Pregnant Victim Had No Knowledge of the Drug
Police confirmed that the pregnant woman did not know the lasagna had been tampered with.
Authorities said she never consented to ingesting any controlled substance.
Investigators did not release information about whether anyone became ill after the food was delivered.
Laboratory Testing Confirmed Controlled Substance
The lasagna was sent to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory for testing.
Laboratory analysis confirmed that the food contained oxycodone, a powerful prescription opioid.
The discovery strengthened investigators’ case against the suspect.
Connection Between Families
Reports indicate there may be a family connection between Snow and the intended victim.
According to local reporting, Snow shares custody of a child with a person related to the pregnant woman.
Investigators also learned that the juvenile child was reportedly aware of Snow’s alleged plan but opposed the idea of delivering the drug-laced food.
Because a child was involved in the situation, Snow is also facing the child endangerment charge.
Arrest and Current Custody Status
Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, authorities arrested Snow earlier this week.
She was taken into custody and booked into the Winneshiek County Jail.
Court records show she is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.
This means she must pay the full amount in cash to be released before trial.
Upcoming Court Hearing
Snow is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 23.
During that hearing, prosecutors will present evidence to determine whether the case should move forward toward trial.
Authorities have not released further details about the alleged co-conspirator or whether additional charges may be filed.
