A Sparta NJ woman was recently hit with a 30-day jail sentence, as well as 5 years of probation, after she pleaded guilty to child endangerment charges.
The 22-year-old suspect appeared in Sussex County Superior Court in May and pleaded guilty to fourth degree child cruelty and neglect charges. According to prosecutors, the suspect admitted to inhaling dust cleaner and trying to get high in front of her 20-month-old daughter.
When Byram Township police got a call about possible child neglect at the suspect’s Birch Parkway residence, officers were dispatched to the scene. When police officers arrived at the home, the suspect appeared to be intoxicated.
Police spoke with witnesses and conducted an investigation. At some point during the investigation, the suspect reportedly told police that she had been inhaling chemicals while watching her young daughter.
Byram NJ police arrested the suspect and took custody of the child. The child was subsequently turned over to the custody of the suspect’s relatives, who live in the same residence where the incident allegedly occurred.
Meanwhile, the suspect was placed under arrest and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
While the charges were pending, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency imposed restrictions on the suspect’s ability to visit her daughter and her 3-year-old son.
The suspect ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of child cruelty and neglect. She has been sentenced to serve 30 days in the county jail, in addition to 5 years of probation. The superior court judge also ordered the suspect to pay $155 in fines and penalties.
As part of the plea agreement, the suspect will have to undergo a drug evaluation and potentially adhere to the requirements of a drug treatment plan.
For further information about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Mom Who Huffed Dust Cleaner in Front of Toddler Gets Probation.”
