The parents of an underweight baby who tested positive for cocaine have received probation.

Zak Herman and Stazia Kirk, formerly of Pella, have pled guilty to one charge each of Neglect or Abandonment of a Dependent Person, a class C felony. Both face a suspended prison term and three years probation.

The Pella Police Department received a report–with assistance from the Marion County Attorney’s Office, of an ongoing situation at a residence in the 1200 Block of Broadway Street, in which investigators learned that a malnourished three month old infant residing in the home had been admitted to the University of Iowa Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Officers say the baby was dehydrated, skeletal in appearance, suffered dramatic weight loss, and generally unresponsive. Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky says the investigation revealed that Herman and Kirk had failed to take the child to scheduled doctor’s appointments as the infant was suffering decline in physical condition for approximately a month. Medical staff declared the child was at a significant risk of death without medical intervention upon arrival at the hospital. Forensic testing also showed the presence of cocaine, according to police.

Statement from the Marion County Attorney’s Office:
“At the time of sentencing, the State requested incarceration, for an indeterminate period not to exceed 10 years. The Court went over the request of Assistant County Attorney Ross Gibson and granted the defendant’s probation.”