Aunt Accused Of Child Abuse Pleads Guilty

Aunt Accused Of Child Abuse Pleads Guilty

November 20, 2008

Dan Rascon

A Utah County woman accused of severely beating and starving her own niece and nephew pleads guilty in a Provo courtroom Thursday morning.

Thirty-three-year-old Mary Heath broke down in tears as she pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse.

Her 9-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew were found at Heath's home in Eagle Mountain last month malnourished and with bruises all over their body.

The young girl was found wandering the neighborhood by a neighbor and the boy was found in the bathroom.  Prosecutors say he weighed just 42 pounds and his body temperature was at 93.2 degrees.

"She's not a horrible person" said Heath's attorney Shirl LeBaron. "She wants to be accountable she wants to get help and she wants to see the kids do well and it's heartwarming to know the kids are doing well."

Heath was originally charged with 10 counts of child abuse which included a sexual abuse charge. But prosecutors say they didn't have enough evidence to prove that charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Heath's boyfriend Sekoa Aiono was also charged with the same crime. He is in negotiations with prosecutors over a possible plea deal.