A Virginia couple has been convicted of felony child neglect but won't serve jail time for traveling with their 5-month-old on a moped last year.
Cane Hartwick Jr., 27, and Athena Colon, 25, both entered Alford pleas in Spotsylvania Circuit Court, meaning they acknowledge there is sufficient evidence for a conviction without admitting guilt, Fredericksburg.com reported Monday. According to the terms of the plea agreements, both parents received suspended three-year prison terms and will be subject to random home visits from social service workers.
Authorities in October said the county's emergency communications center received multiple calls from residents reporting a child riding in unsafe conditions.
Deputies caught up with the moped and arrested Hartwick, who was driving, and passenger Colon. Fredericksburg.com reported that both adults were wearing helmets while their 5-month-old son, strapped to Colon with a baby carrier, was not.
Attorney Nathanael Buczek represented Hartwick and attorney Mark D’Antonio represented Colon.
