Woman could face jail time, fines after being found guilty of leaving children in car while shopping
Online Staff Report
Alena Snyder, 28, was found guilty Friday, Aug. 26, of two counts of endangering the life or health of a child, after a jury trial in front of Judge John Lowery.
June 17, 2010, the defendant left her two children — ages 4 and 3 — in her car unattended in the Target parking lot on East State Street, while she went shopping in Target.
Endangering the life or health of a child is a class A misdemeanor, and has a sentencing range of up to one year in jail and/or 24 months probation and up to $2,500 in fines.
Sentencing is scheduled for 2 p.m., Sept. 22, in Courtroom D, with Judge Lowery.
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One Comment
Since the prosecutor failed to show up today for sentencing, the sentencing hearing has been postponed. Additionally, a motion for a mistrial or new trial was entered because the State withheld exculpatory evidence that they were required to turn over to the defense during discovery.
Since there is no law in Illinois prohibiting leaving children unattended for a short time, the State charged Ms. Snyder with Child Endangerment–a law that is so broadly worded that pretty much any parent could be arrested at any time. The bottom line is that Ms. Snyder was away from her children, who were in a locked, air-conditioned car (with a remote starter so the keys weren’t even present) for a total of 5-6 minutes while she bought milk and dog food (the only items on the receipt presented as evidence during the trial).
Jurors in Winnebago County are paid $13/day to serve. You get what you pay for.