A Wisconsin babysitter, Hannah Sprang, has been charged with felony child neglect after allegedly leaving three young children alone in a parked SUV for nearly an hour and a half while she went to a nail salon. The incident occurred on July 18 in Manitowoc, where temperatures reached 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit inside the vehicle, prompting concerns for the children’s welfare.
Sprang, 23, appeared via Zoom in court as police detailed the alarming circumstances of the case. The children, ages one and two (two of them being two-year-olds), were found strapped in their car seats inside the SUV with the engine turned off. A passerby alerted authorities after noticing the children alone in the vehicle. When officers arrived, they discovered that Sprang had just exited the nail salon and did not seem to grasp the severity of the situation, according to police reports.
Initially, Sprang provided an excuse to officers, claiming she had made an appointment for 11:00 AM but was required to wait. She stated she would check on the children during her appointment. However, surveillance footage revealed that she arrived at the salon at 10:49 AM and remained inside for about an hour before checking on the kids. This raised significant red flags regarding her attentiveness and responsibility as a caregiver.
The police report indicated that Sprang appeared unfazed by the gravity of leaving the children unattended. While the children did not show physical distress, they were reportedly crying when officers found them. The neglect charges stem from the potential risk to the children’s mental and physical well-being, especially considering their young ages.
Sprang has been charged with three counts of felony child neglect, each carrying a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She was granted a $5,000 recognizance bond and is expected to return to court for a preliminary hearing on September 18.
The case raises broader concerns regarding child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers. As summer temperatures rise, instances of children left in vehicles become increasingly dangerous, highlighting the critical importance of vigilance among babysitters and parents alike.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the court will examine not only the facts of the case but also Sprang’s conduct and response during the incident. Legal experts suggest that her apparent lack of cooperation with law enforcement, coupled with the deliberate nature of her actions, could significantly influence the outcome of her case. As public awareness of such incidents grows, the prosecution is likely to take a firm stance against neglect, especially given the potential risks involved in leaving young children unattended in vehicles.
