Two women who were free on bond after a jury found them guilty of child neglect in late May were sentenced to probation Sept. 4 at the Marion County Judicial Center.
Here's what we know:
Who are the defendants and what was the sentence? Stephanie Galarza, 33, was sentenced to 18 months of probation, while co-defendant Brandy Nicole Richardson, 39, received 24 months. Adjudication of guilt was withheld for both women, who must complete 100 hours of community service. They also must complete a parenting class and cannot volunteer or work for any organization involving minors.
The women were ordered to pay fines and court costs. Because adjudication was withheld, neither woman will have a criminal record in this case.
The judge noted that Richardson
has prior convictions, but said they were not extensive. He also said neither woman physically harmed the child and that, fortunately, the child was not seriously injured.
A six-member jury found the women guilty May 28. At sentencing, the prosecutor recommended probation for both defendants. The offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Who was the judge? Senior Judge David B. Eddy, who is retired.
Attorneys: Assistant State Attorney Debra Munchel prosecuted the case. Marc Burnham represented Galarza, and Jorge Luis Colon represented Richardson.
About the case: Ocala police said the women witnessed a physical altercation between a girl and a boy and did nothing to stop it. The incident occurred at an after-school program for foster children operated by Kids Central, where both women worked. Galarza and Richardson were fired after the incident.
The girl who beat the boy was arrested. The Star-Banner is not identifying either child because of their ages.
Did the women or their lawyers said anything before sentencing? Yes. Both women expressed remorse for what happened.
Colon said his client is a caring person with strong ties to the community. He said the case has been stressful for her and that she has lost her career. He added that the stigma from the case will follow her for the rest of her life but does not define her character.
In a prepared statement, Richardson said she understands the seriousness of the incident and has always cared for children.
Galarza, who also read a prepared statement, said she would learn from the incident and does not take her arrest lightly.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Probation for Marion County women who failed to stop child's beating
