Local mother pleads guilty to child abuse

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Phil Campbell woman faces six years in prison after pleading guilty to child abuse Monday.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Cassandra Reiter, 23, of Liberty Trailer Park in Phil Campbell, pled guilty to child abuse Monday just as the case was set to go to trial.
"Ms. Reiter pled guilty to one count of child abuse Monday with the expectation that she'd serve six years in prison," Rushing said.
Rushing said Reiter was charged with three counts of child abuse after locking her three children in a room for long periods of time with not food, drink or bathroom facilities in 2007.
"The children at the time of the abuse were six, four and two," Rushing said.
Authorities were alerted by concerned citizens who suspected child abuse or neglect was taking place in the home.
"This case involves a instance where a concerned neighbor or acquaintance decided to call authorities," Rushing said. "It's because of their concern that these childrn were rescued from their condition. We thank them for coming forward."
Rushing said Reiter's husband, Jason Reiter, 26, pled guilty in 2008 of two counts of child abuse and received a 10-year split sentence with two years to serve.
"Ms. Reiter has applied for probation, but we are not recommending probation in this case because of the nature of this case," Rushing said.
"We take allegations of child abuse very seriously."
Rushing said the children have been placed with family members since the couple's arrest. Sentencing is expected sometime in the 30 days.