Lonzie's mother details relationship with Ruben Ebron

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The mother of Lonzie Barton, Lonna Lauramore Barton, took the stand to testify against her boyfriend and suspect in the toddler’s disappearance.

Ruben Ebron appeared in court Friday ahead of the trial, which is expected to start Jan. 11 with jury selection.

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During court, Lauramore Barton said she met Ebron in Feb. 2015 through work and social interactions. She said she was working at Wacko's Gentlemens Club and learned she could by drugs from Ebron.

The state argued that the questions toward Lauramore Barton show her knowledge of Ebron.

During questioning Lauramore Barton spoke softly, giving short answers. The judge asked Lauramore Barton to speak up because he had trouble hearing her.

Lauramore Barton continue to say their relationship progressed romantically and moved in together in May. Ebron would supply cocaine, oxycodone, morphine and other drugs, she told the court.

She testified that Ebron would pay for other people's prescriptions to obtain narcotics.

The drugs were kept in a nightstand in the bedroom, Lauramore Barton testified. She testified that there were times Ebron watched her children while she wasn’t in the Southside apartment. She testified that Ebron received a text about drugs the day before Lonzie disappeared.

Lauramore Barton said Ebron gave her cocaine on July 24, the night Lonzie disappeared.  She said it wasn't unusual for him to do drugs while watching the children. 

The defense questioned Lauramore Barton to see if she remembered specific dates about Ebron’s reported drug deals. She replied no.

Lauramore Barton testified for about 40 minutes.

WJAX