19-Year-Old Mother Sentenced In Battery Of Dependent
Madison McKenzie Jones
WARSAW — Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed handed down a six-year sentence at the Department of Corrections to a 19-year-old mother who pleaded guilty to battery resulting in serious bodily injury and neglect of a dependent this morning. He suspended all but 18 months.
Madison McKenzie Jones, 19, 301 Ulrich Drive, Milford, will serve 18 months in the Kosciusko County Jail with 4 1/2 years on probation. The sentence is based on a plea agreement entered on Nov. 16, to lesser but included charges, dropping the charges from level 3 felonies to level 5 felonies.
Jones was arrested Feb. 27, after police were called to her home regarding an injured infant. Her two-month old child was immediately transported to Lutheran Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care, Fort Wayne, in serious condition. The infant suffered injuries indicative to blunt force trauma. The infant was released on March 1 and placed in the care of a licensed foster parent in another county.
Dana Leon, attorney for Jones, noted her client had led a law abiding life until this matter and had not developed a mile long record. She noted mitigating circumstances included Jones’ age and the fact she had not yet developed the life skills to start a family and handle the responsibilities of a child.
“She has expressed great remorse, as any mother should,” Leon said. A report was also submitted by CASA and Department of Child Services. Leon felt she would be a good candidate for probation as she had followed guidelines and rules set out by DSC.
Jones was emotional when given the opportunity to address the court, unable to speak for several minutes. “I will continue doing my anger management classes and parenting classes,” said Jones adding, “I’m sorry for what I’ve done.” Her attorney noted “her demeanor this morning shows her remorse.”
Reed agreed with Leon it was Jones’ first offense. But stated the charges were “very, very serious offenses.”
“You injured your own child and the circumstances had no excuse. It was lucky the child was not more seriously injured. A child should be safe and secure in a mother’s care,” stated Reed.
After it was noted Jones lacked the life skills necessary to start a family, Reed stated it was Jones who chose to become a parent. “There is help out there. You can ask for help from others. Punishment is required in this circumstance,” Reed said. It appeared he admonished the mother’s comment of her involvement in classes. “It’s disturbing. You ceased doing the right thing five months ago.”
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