LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – A Lake Havasu City woman who left her two young children unattended at home while they were sleeping has been placed on probation with no further jail time ordered. Natalie Lopez, 23, appeared for sentencing before Judge Ryan Esplin on Oct. 1.
Lopez is convicted of two counts of child abuse through a plea agreement.
Authorities initially reported that she left her five- and seven-year-old daughters at home alone at 2 a.m. when she attended a party in May.
Defense attorney Marcus Spradlin said his client went to the gathering not to party, but to pick up her mother-in-law. He said it was supposed to be a 20-minute trip that was extended by issues involving her boyfriend.
Judge Esplin told Lopez he is convinced that Lopez loves her daughters and wants to be a good mom. He said she made a big mistake.
“There is no question that this was a lapse in judgment, as your attorney said,” Esplin said. “Please just make sure you’re watching your children.”
Lopez was placed on probation for three years and sentenced to 30 days of incarceration, while credited for 30 days spent in custody. Judge Esplin ordered Lopez to perform 40 hours of community work service and engage in parenting classes.
