A Burke County woman accused of lacing food with muscle relaxers and then giving it to two boyfriends appeared before a judge Tuesday.

Tara Jackson fought back tears after arriving at the courthouse in Morganton. The 22-year-old is charged with two felonies. Deputies said she crushed muscle relaxers and put the drug in a baked potato and Mountain Dew and gave it to two different boyfriends.

“I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone,” Jackson said.

Investigators said she is also a suspect in a case in which one of those boyfriends ended up in the hospital after drinking antifreeze mixed with iced tea.

A woman who asked not to be identified said Jackson is a close friend and that she has known her for the past decade. She said she was stunned to hear news of her arrest.

“I couldn't believe it,” the woman said. “I first heard it on Channel 9, but I couldn't believe she was on there.”

Others who have known Jackson for years said they aren't buying the 22-year-old's apology.

“I don't think she's sorry for a single thing she's done,” Margaret Benfield said. “Just an act -- just a sympathy act. That's all it is.”

Jackson only appeared before the judge for a few minutes and was told about the charge and then asked for a court-appointed attorney.  She is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 25.