Des Moines, Iowa – An Iowa mother has avoided prison time after pleading guilty to felony child neglect in two separate incidents, including one in which her toddler fell from a second-story apartment window while she briefly left her children unattended.
Court Ruling in Child Neglect Case
Angelia Varner, 35, learned her legal fate this week after admitting responsibility for failing to properly supervise her children. A judge sentenced Varner to two years of probation, allowing her to avoid jail time despite the seriousness of the charges.
The case stems from an incident on August 14, when Varner left her apartment and went to the parking lot, placing her 9-year-old child in charge of two younger siblings, including a 23-month-old toddler. Varner told investigators she planned to be gone only “for a few minutes.”
During that time, neighbors witnessed the toddler fall approximately 12 feet from a second-story window, prompting emergency calls to police.
Details of the Window Fall Incident
Police reported that the toddler suffered abrasions and bruising to the head, but thankfully did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders transported the child for medical evaluation, and the injuries were later classified as non-critical.
Inside the apartment, officers observed a torn window screen at the location where the child fell. According to police records, the apartment’s landlord stated that Varner had never requested repairs to the damaged screen. Varner acknowledged she knew the screen was torn and admitted she had left the window open to help cool the apartment.
Investigators also documented concerning statements from neighbors. Several reported regularly seeing Varner’s children leaning out of the open window or playing near it. Others said they had previously observed the children playing outside without adult supervision.
These details formed the basis of the felony neglect charge to which Varner later pleaded guilty.
Second Neglect Incident Involving Stove Fire Risk
Court records show that this was not Varner’s only encounter with child endangerment concerns.
On September 25, police responded to a second incident involving the same household. According to reports, Varner had left the stove on and went to lie down in her bedroom. She then fell asleep, closing the bedroom door and leaving her two younger children unattended as smoke filled the apartment.
During that incident, Varner’s oldest child was found outside the apartment, desperately attempting to get help and asking neighbors to open the locked door. Authorities determined the situation posed a significant fire and smoke inhalation risk to the children.
Varner pleaded guilty to a separate felony neglect of a dependent person charge related to that incident. The judge imposed the same two-year probation sentence, with both cases running concurrently.
Why Prison Was Avoided
While felony neglect charges can carry prison sentences under Iowa law, judges may impose probation depending on circumstances such as injury severity, criminal history, and cooperation with authorities.
In Varner’s case, prosecutors acknowledged that the toddler’s injuries were non-life-threatening, and the court emphasized accountability through supervision requirements rather than incarceration.
As part of her probation, Varner is expected to comply with court-ordered conditions, which typically include regular check-ins, parenting education, and restrictions designed to protect the children’s safety.
Child Safety and Supervision Concerns
Child welfare experts consistently warn that young children should never be left in the care of other minors, even briefly. Windows without intact screens, open flames, and unsupervised access to outdoor areas are among the most common causes of preventable childhood injuries.
According to safety organizations, falls from windows remain a leading cause of serious injury among toddlers, particularly in multi-story apartment buildings. Experts recommend installing window guards, repairing damaged screens promptly, and maintaining constant adult supervision.
Case Outcome and Ongoing Oversight
Varner remains under probation supervision as the court monitors compliance and child safety conditions. Authorities did not release additional details regarding custody arrangements or child protective services involvement, though such cases typically involve continued oversight.
The incidents have sparked discussion among local residents about parental responsibility, housing safety standards, and the risks of leaving children unattended—even for short periods.
If you have thoughts on child safety or similar incidents in your community, share your experiences in the comments below.
