Lower Pottsgrove woman sent to prison for failing to protect her child who was abused by her Collingdale boyfriend
Lower Pottsgrove woman sent to prison for failing to protect her child ... The Mercury
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Mother Sentenced to Prison for Child Endangerment
NORRISTOWN — The mother of a 5-year-old Lower Pottsgrove boy was sent to prison on child endangerment charges for failing to protect her child from her boyfriend who physically abused the boy who suffered a dozen broken ribs and injuries to his genitals.
Background
Emily Laster, 31, of the 1100 block of Village Drive in the Sanatoga section of the township, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 1½ to 3 years in the State Correctional Institution at Muncy after she pleaded guilty to a felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child in connection with incidents that occurred in 2021.
Sentence and Probation
Judge Virgil B. Walker imposed the prison term sought by prosecutors and also ordered Laster to complete three years’ probation, consecutive to parole, meaning Laster will be under court supervision for six years.
Prosecutor’s Statement
“It’s what the commonwealth was seeking in this case given the lack of any sort of care for (the child) throughout this. Constantly, she was given multiple chances to seek police intervention and OCY (county Office of Children and Youth) intervention and still chose to support (her boyfriend) over her own son,” said Assistant District Attorney Gabriella Glenning, who prosecuted the case.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Boyfriend’s Sentencing
Laster’s boyfriend, Steven J. Dougherty, 32, of the 200 block of Blunston Avenue, Collingdale, Delaware County, previously was sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison and a consecutive five years of probation as part of a plea agreement under which he pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
Mother’s Negligence
With the charges against Laster, prosecutors argued that while Laster was not accused of inflicting the child’s injuries she had a duty of care as a mother to protect her son from Dougherty but continued to leave her son in her boyfriend’s care.
Defense Lawyer’s Argument
Laster was represented by defense lawyer G. Guy Smith who argued for a probationary sentence, suggesting Laster was a victim of battered woman syndrome.
Investigation and Abuse Incidents
Detectives alleged the multiple incidents of abuse suffered by the boy at the hands of Dougherty occurred in the home the boy shared with Laster while Laster was either asleep or at work and when Dougherty was watching the child.
Text Messages and Threats
Detectives seized Laster’s cellphone and uncovered text messages during which Laster and Dougherty argued about money and faithfulness. During those text message conversations, Dougherty allegedly threatened to kill Laster and the little boy by burning down their house, according to court papers.
Child’s Recovery and Current Situation
The boy is currently in the care of other family members and reportedly is doing well.
Investigation and Hospitalization
An investigation began on Nov. 19, 2021, when detectives were informed the child was hospitalized at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Child’s Injuries and Negligence
Authorities learned that the child had to be carried to his school nurse’s office on Nov. 18 “because of severe pain in his groin,” according to the criminal complaint filed by Kelly and Kienle.
Child’s Statements and Denial
When detectives interviewed Laster she allegedly denied knowledge of child abuse and claimed her son suffered his injuries from falling down steps while sleepwalking, not catching a baseball, getting into fistfights at school and getting his penis stuck in his zipper.
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of protecting children from abuse and neglect, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a reminder that parents have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of their children, and that neglecting this duty can have severe consequences.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected:
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. Specific Targets:
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
3. Indicators:
- Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of children subjected to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence
- Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of women and girls subjected to violence and exploitation
- Indicator for Target 3.4: Mortality rate due to non-communicable diseases
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Number of children subjected to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | Number of women and girls subjected to violence and exploitation |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Mortality rate due to non-communicable diseases |
Analysis:
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first SDG addressed is SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The article discusses a case of child endangerment and physical abuse, which relates to Target 16.2 of ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. The indicator for this target would be the number of children subjected to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence.
The second SDG addressed is SDG 5: Gender Equality. The article mentions that the mother failed to protect her child from her boyfriend’s abuse. This connects to Target 5.2 of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and exploitation. The indicator for this target would be the number of women and girls subjected to violence and exploitation.
The third SDG addressed is SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The article describes the injuries suffered by the child, including broken ribs and injuries to his genitals. This relates to Target 3.4 of reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being. The indicator for this target would be the mortality rate due to non-communicable diseases.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of addressing child abuse, violence against women, and promoting good health and well-being. These issues are interconnected and require a comprehensive approach to achieve the related SDGs and targets.
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Source: pottsmerc.com
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