Woman gets 30 days in jail for leaving home alone 3 children

[cycloneye]

WHEATON, Illinois (AP) -- A woman got a 30-day jail sentence for leaving her three young children home alone for several hours, while she and her boyfriend attended a videotaping of "The Jerry Springer Show."

Shannon Cook, 25, pleaded guilty earlier this week to misdemeanor child endangerment. She also was placed on probation for a year.

"It was an appropriate sentence, given what she did," said DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Ruggiero.

The two girls and one boy, all under the age of 4, have been placed in foster homes by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Police said Cook left the children alone at a suburban home October 19, while she and her boyfriend went to Chicago for the taping. About five hours later the two oldest knocked on the door of a neighbor, who called police.

Cook was arrested when she returned home after midnight. According to a police report, she said: "I didn't think I'd be gone that long."


A good punishment for that mother.

[arkess7]

she deserves it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[southerngale]

3 children UNDER the age of 4 - she should never get them back. Clearly unfit!

Why am I not surprised that someone who would do this would also appear on The Jerry Springer Show?

[Skywatch_NC]

Cook was arrested when she returned home after midnight. According to a police report, she said: "I didn't think I'd be gone that long."

Gee...ya think?!

[zoeyann]

Gee...ya think?!

No I Don't think she does. Children under 4 shouldn't be left alone four 5 minutes.

[CajunMama]

She only got 30 days???? I'm glad i wasn't the judge.

[TexasStooge]

What's more important, the kids or the taping of "The Jerry Springer Show"?

[Brent]

30 days??? That's it?

[beachbum_al]

I think 30 days is too short of a punishment. She left 3 children four and under along till midnight. :crying. Those poor children. At least the two oldest knew enough to tell a neighbor and get help.