Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Neglect Case

A woman accused of leaving her 3-year-old boy home alone while she went to a nearby bar pleaded not guilty Friday to one count of child endangering.

Shannon Flynn, 23, of Tujunga was arrested Thursday after police found the child with soiled diapers crying in a crib, according to Deputy City Atty. Paula Stringer. A neighbor had called police saying Flynn frequently left the child alone at night, Stringer said.

When police entered the home they found a dark apartment littered with plates of rotting food and the bedroom window open, authorities said. Police waited for Flynn in the apartment then took her into custody upon her return.

Flynn is being held on $3,000 bail and a court date has been set for Friday, Stringer said. Her son remains in custody of the Department of Children’s Services, authorities said.

Another woman who was to be arraigned on three counts of child endangering will continue in negotiations for an arraignment plea, Stringer said.

Saundra Crockett, 33, of Sunland was arrested Thursday after the father of one of the children called police, authorities said.

Municipal Court Judge Gerald T. Richardson said prosecutors were discussing the possibility of disposing the case under terms that Crockett enter a drug-rehabilitation program.

Police said they found Crockett’s three children--who are 11 months, 7 and 13 years--in a roach-infested apartment that had no electricity, food or water. All the children were in soiled clothing and the 13-year-old girl told police she was tired because she had been looking after her brothers.

Crockett was released Friday on her own recognizance and will remain under the care of a friend, authorities said.