American woman detained in Mexico: 'I'm innocent'

On Wednesday CNN's Rafael Romo spoke with Yanira Maldonado, the Arizona woman imprisoned in Mexico. In the jailhouse interview, Maldonado proclaimed her innocence and wept at the circumstances that have put her behind bars, far from her children and grandchildren.

She was in the country for a relative's funeral and on her way home with her husband Gary when police arrested her on a bus and accused her of smuggling drugs. Authorities claim they found 12 pounds of marijuana under her seat.

Her family believes she was framed because Mexican soldiers at the checkpoint wanted a bribe.

Maldonado told Romo she is a devout Mormon and a good mom. "I love the gospel. I'm LDS. And we work hard to have what we have," she said. "You know, we're not rich, but we're very honest and we always do our best to help other people." While locked up she spends her time praying and fasting.

The State Department has been in touch with the family and officials are monitoring the case. Hearings are scheduled for Friday.