Woman Acquitted of Child Abuse Despite Confession

A Hagerstown woman charged with sexually abusing four children has been acquitted despite her confession to police.

A judge found 51-year-old Barbara Ann Williams not guilty Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court because there was no corroborating evidence, The Herald-Mail reported.

Visiting Judge John Tisdale says a confession alone isn't enough for a conviction.

Williams allegedly told police and a county social services worker she had abused the 1- and 2-year-old children while working as a babysitter. She said her guilt made her confess.

Assistant Public Defender Thomas Tamm said unstable people often confess to crimes they haven't committed. He says the alleged victims were too young to give evidence.

Assistant State's Attorney Brett Wilson says he disagrees with how the case was handled.