NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WAVE) – A New York woman will spend 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to neglect charges involving her one-year-old child.

Jessica Meade, 28, was sentenced at the beginning of October 2024.

Meade was charged on Sept. 24, 2023, after officers responded to a report of an unconscious one-year-old child. EMS said they found Meade with the child suctioning, pale and barely breathing. Both were taken to hospital.

The officer was told the child had digested shellfish and was likely allergic to it, the probable cause affidavit said. The child was reportedly put to sleep when he saw that he was vomiting and appeared to be choking.

Floyd County Prosecutor Chris Lane said further investigation and contact with a Department of Children’s Services (DCS) case worker revealed different stories about what happened. A video obtained by investigators shows Meade wrapping the baby in layers of blankets and duct tape.

“It is a terrible tragedy that a parent, the only person who is supposed to protect their children from the hardships of the world, is responsible for this abuse,” said Deputy Prosecutor Kristin Perdue.

Lane expressed his gratitude to New Albany Police Department, DCS and EMS personnel for their quick and effective response.

“A strong community requires accountability, and we will continue to pursue that,” Lane said. “This case is incredibly complex due to the nature of the injuries and the relationships of the individuals involved, but we will continue to ensure that those who committed acts of violence are held accountable.”

A plea agreement was reached on October 3, 2024. Meade will serve 16 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections.

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