DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa mother accused of leaving her four children home alone to travel to Europe has taken a plea deal. Johnston resident Erin Macke entered Alford pleas Monday in Polk County District Court to four counts of child endangerment. In exchange prosecutors will drop a charge of making a firearm available to a person under age 21. In an Alford plea, a person doesn’t admit guilt but acknowledges there is enough evidence for a likely conviction. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 19.

Police were called to her home in September by the children’s father, who said the kids — two age 12, one 7, one 6 — had been left alone. Police say Macke failed to make child care arrangements before leaving Sept. 20 for a 10-day Germany vacation.