Mother of 'affluenza' teen is jailed in Los Angeles

An LAPD fugitive task force picked up Tonya Couch shortly after 1:30 a.m. at Los Angeles International Airport and took her to the Metropolitan Detention Center, according to Officer Norma Eisenman.

U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Eugene Hwang said he could not reveal details about Couch's trip through California or say how long she might be there, citing security concerns in transporting someone in custody.

Authorities in Texas said they were issuing an arrest warrant for her on charges of hindering an apprehension, a third-degree felony that carries a sentence of two to 10 years in prison.

Ethan Couch was driving drunk and speeding near Fort Worth in June 2013 when he crashed into a disabled SUV, killing four people and injuring several others, including passengers in his pickup truck.

During the sentencing phase of his trial, a defense expert argued that his wealthy parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility — a condition the expert termed "affluenza."

The condition is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, and its invocation during the legal proceedings drew ridicule.