A Las Cruces mother suspected of failing to provide adequate nutrition for her 10-month-old underdeveloped daughter has been arrested and charged with child abuse.
Sarah A. Chavez, 27, is charged with one count of negligent child abuse.
Las Cruces Police detectives learned that Chavez’s 10-month-old daughter was admitted to El Paso Children’s Hospital on March 14 because, according to medical professionals, she was small for her age, had difficulty sitting without support and weighed only approximately 13 pounds.
Medical professionals determined that the young girl was not receiving the proper nutrition expected for a 10-month-old.
Detectives learned that while at the hospital Chavez failed to feed her daughter as directed by medical staff between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. because the young child would get used to eating during those hours.
Detectives learned from Child Protective Services that Chavez removed her daughter from the hospital against the advice of medical professionals on March 17.
Child Protective Services subsequently took custody of the young girl who was readmitted to El Paso Children’s Hospital on March 19. She has since been receiving adequate nutrition to gain weight.
Chavez was arrested Thursday, March 27, and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $10,000. She posted bond the same day.