Probation for Foster Mother
Missouri Foster Mother Avoids Prison Time Following Guilty Plea in Endangerment Case
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Key Points
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Deutsch pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, a Class D felony, after the teenager was sent to the Texas residence.
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According to sentencing arguments, Deutsch had already spent 99 days in jail before her bond was reduced; the sentence requires no further incarceration unless she violates probation.
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The investigation reportedly began after Deutsch sought permission to take the girl to Texas to visit a friend; five days later, an anonymous caller alerted Missouri’s Children’s Division to allegations of physical and mental abuse.
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The Texas home was described as filthy, and the teenager was identified as an adopted child in Deutsch’s care—details that add context to the alleged unsafe placement.
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Johnson alleged that Deutsch had at least seven monkeys, saying, “That’s just her thing,” while also alleging Deutsch was no kinder to the animals than to the child.
A Missouri foster mother accused of trading a teenage girl in her care for a monkey avoided prison time on Monday. AOL News reported that Brenda Deutsch pleaded guilty to first-degree child endangerment after sending the girl to an uninspected Texas home. A Lincoln County judge suspended her seven-year sentence and ordered three years of probation instead.
The judge called Deutsch's conduct "reprehensible" and revoked her foster-care license. People Magazine noted the judge apologized to victims, saying Missouri's child-welfare system had failed them. Deutsch's daughter, who testified about alleged abuse in the home, said the outcome was not what the family hoped for.
How the Dangerous Placement Happened
Deutsch sought permission to take the girl to Texas to visit a friend, according to court records. Five days later, an anonymous caller tipped off Missouri's Children's Division with allegations of physical and mental abuse. Yahoo News reported that the Texas home was described as filthy when authorities investigated.
Deutsch admitted she had not inspected the residence before placing the child there. Witnesses alleged the placement was tied to trading the girl for a monkey, though court documents did not fully explain this claim. The teenager was an adopted child under Deutsch's foster care at the time.
Guilty Plea Brings Suspended Sentence
Deutsch pleaded guilty to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, a Class D felony. She had already spent 99 days in jail before her bond was reduced. AOL News reported that the suspended seven-year sentence means she will serve no additional prison time unless she violates probation.
The judge ordered Deutsch to complete three years of probation with strict conditions. These include no contact with the victim and participation in mental-health and behavioral programs. The revoked foster-care license means she cannot care for children in the state's system again.
Allegations of Neglect Extended to Animals Too
Deutsch reportedly owned at least seven monkeys at her home. A witness said that "that's just her thing" when describing her animal collection. The same witness alleged Deutsch was no kinder to the animals than she had been to the child in her care.
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