Mother sentenced to probation in child neglect case

A 19-year-old Minocqua woman has been sentenced to three years probation after entering a no contest plea to one count of neglecting a child as party to the crime (consequence is bodily harm).

According to a criminal complaint filed in July, Sierra R. Anderson’s infant suffered a skull fracture and subdural hematoma in December 2023 after the child fell from a couch while in the care of his/her father, John Y. Haygood, 22. The complaint also alleges that prior to the December 2023 incident, the parents had, on more than one occasion, failed to take the infant for follow-up pediatrician appointments related to issues involving inadequate weight gain.

Haygood is also facing a child neglect (consequence is bodily harm) charge in connection with the child’s injuries. He made an appearance in Oneida County Circuit Court Friday morning, however the court was advised that the public defender’s office is still searching for an attorney to represent him.

Anderson’s defense attorney, Rick Shawl, argued she is “less culpable” than Haygood in terms of the child’s health issues and is making progress toward her goals of properly caring for her child and maintaining employment.

For his part, assistant district attorney Ben Meyer stated that a period of supervision is necessary to ensure the child’s safety.

Judge Mike Schiek agreed to withhold sentence and place Anderson on probation for a period of three years. He noted that if she fails to comply with rules set forth by her probation agent or the directives of the Department of Social Services, she could be sent to prison for up to 6 years. However, if she successfully completes probation, she will be eligible to have the charge expunged.

“This is an opportunity for you to not just say what you’re going to do, but prove it,”the judge said.

“You’re going to have to earn it,” he said of the potential expungement.

Haygood’s case remains pending.