A Wisconsin babysitter is facing serious allegations after reportedly leaving three young children alone in a parked SUV for nearly an hour and a half while she went to a nail salon. Hannah Sprang, 23, was charged with three counts of felony child neglect following an incident on July 18 in Manitowoc County, where the children, aged one and two, were found strapped in their car seats with the vehicle’s engine turned off.
According to police reports, officers were alerted to the situation after a bystander noticed the unattended children inside the SUV in a strip mall parking lot. When law enforcement arrived, they discovered all three children inside the vehicle, and although they appeared to be physically unharmed, they were crying and clearly distressed. The interior of the SUV was measured at a temperature of 81.1 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns about the conditions the children faced.
Sprang, who had advertised her babysitting services on social media as being CPR and first aid certified, claimed she had made an appointment for her nails at 11:00 a.m. and intended to check on the children during her appointment. However, surveillance footage from the salon showed that she arrived at 10:49 a.m. and remained inside for approximately an hour before checking on the children, contradicting her statements to the police.
The police report indicated that Sprang seemed unfazed by the gravity of leaving the children unattended, noting her focus on texting the children’s parents rather than cooperating with officers. This behavior has raised questions about her responsibility as a caretaker, particularly given the children’s ages, which legally classify the incident as a felony due to the potential risk to their emotional and physical well-being.
Each neglect charge Sprang faces is a class felony, carrying a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She was granted a $5,000 recognizance bond and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on September 18.
Legal experts suggest that the case may hinge on the perceived intent behind Sprang’s actions. Unlike cases where a parent or caretaker forgets a child in a vehicle, Sprang’s decision to go to a nail salon suggests a more deliberate act of neglect. This aspect, combined with her lack of cooperation with police, could influence the prosecution’s approach during plea negotiations.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions regarding the safety of children left unattended in vehicles, especially during the hot summer months. While fortunately no harm came to the children this time, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved in leaving young kids alone in cars, a situation that can quickly escalate into a tragedy.
As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for the court to assess the evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, to determine the appropriate legal consequences for Sprang’s actions. Parents and caregivers are left to grapple with the implications of this incident as they seek reliable and responsible childcare in their communities.
