POMONA, Calif. (AP) A woman pleaded no contest Friday to a
charge of felony child endangerment for allegedly putting her
2-year-old daughter inside a washer at a coin laundry facility,
officials said.
Erma Osborne, 35, of Pomona, was immediately sentenced by Pomona
Superior Court Commissioner Wade Olson to six months in a
residential facility for developmentally disabled persons, said
Deputy District Attorney Gail Ehrlich. She also was ordered to join
parenting programs and placed on five years probation.
``This was felony conduct, and she pleaded to felony conduct,''
Ehrlich said. ``However, we recognize that her mental condition
plays a part in deciding what's an appropriate punishment. She is
developmentally disabled.''
The girl survived the May incident after police smashed the
front window of the washer with a baton. She later received
stitches on her arms and legs.
Surveillance videotape at Lucy's Laundromat showed Osborne and
bystanders frantically trying to stop the washer and open the door.
The washing machine apparently had some unexpired time and began
operating when the child was placed inside and the door was closed,
authorities said.
If convicted of the felony count of child endangerment, Osborne
could have faced up to six years in state prison.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)