United Group Insurance

Iowa mom pleads guilty to leaving son in tub, smoking pot

News

February 2nd, 2015 by Ric Hanson

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Sioux City mom has pleaded guilty to leaving her 10-month-old son alone in a bathtub while she smoked marijuana in another room. The Sioux City Journal reports 21-year-old Maricela Vasquez submitted her plea deal Monday to charges of child endangerment resulting in bodily injury and possession of a controlled substance.

Authorities say Vasquez was arrested in August when they responded to a 911 call, found evidence of marijuana in the apartment and discovered the baby had nearly drowned. The boy was taken to UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Regional Medical, where he was treated, released and removed from Vasquez’s custody.

A sentencing hearing has been set for Feb. 24. Vasquez faces up to five years in prison.