A Melcher-Dallas woman was sentenced Thursday morning following a guilty plea related to child endangerment. Kimberly Ann Laird, age 47 of Melcher-Dallas, was sentenced to up to five years in prison for one count of child endangerment causing injury, a Class D Felony. 

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in March, when a child was exposed to methamphetamine while being supervised by Laird, who pled guilty to the charge of child endangerment causing injury on October 19th. The State and Laird’s attorney agreed that a presentence investigation would be ordered, and the State would join the recommendation of the comprehensive report. The presentence investigation report in Laird’s case recommended she be sentenced to a term not to exceed five years in prison, and that the sentence be suspended with the defendant being placed on probation. The court adopted the recommendation, and further ordered Laird to pay a $1,025 fine and restitution to the victim, complete a mental health and substance abuse evaluation, and comply with any other terms and conditions imposed by probation.

Marion County Attorney Jared Harmon stated, “This was an incredibly sad and dangerous situation for the victim. This is yet another example of how methamphetamine can create hazardous situations for people other than those who choose to use the drug.”