McPherson Mom Pleads In Child Abandonment Case
Save Email Print
McPherson Mom Pleads In Child Abandonment Case
Prosecutors say Diedre Harman probably won't face prison time.
Reporter: Cayle Thompson
Email Address: cayle.thompson@kake.com
width:320 and height: 240 and picwidth: 213 and pciheight: 159
Font Size:

Deidre Harman, 19, pleaded "No Contest" to charges of Child Abandonment at the McPherson County Courthouse on Monday. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Harman will likely only face probation.

Prosecutors say Harman dumped her 6-week-old daughter in a trash bin near her home in May. Investigators say she then called 911 and reported the baby kidnapped. After several hours of searching, police found the child in the dumpster unharmed. The girl is now in state custody pending further review of Harman's case.

Harman requested a mental evaluation during a previous court hearing to determine if she was competent to stand trial. After reviewing a doctor's analysis of Harman, the judge ruled Harman is competent. Rather than go before a jury, Harman elected to accept the plea deal.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped an additional charge of Child Endangerment and agreed to allow probation instead of requesting jail time. By accepting the agreement, Harman cannot appeal her case or change her plea.

By pleading "No Contest," Harman does not dispute the allegations made against her. She will be officially sentenced on December 15th.


National AP Video
Twitter News Feed
    KAKE-TV on Facebook
    Extras
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Your 2009 Thanksgiving Guide
    H1N1 News
    Click here for the latest news regarding the H1N1 virus.
    Upickem Pigskin Payoff Contest
    Click here to go to our pro football season contest!
    First United Methodist Church of Wichita
    Click here to watch Sunday services live.