Aunt sentenced for leaving kids outside Parx

BENSALEM
Aunt sentenced for leaving kids outside Parx

By Laurie Mason Schroeder Staff Writer Calkins Media, Inc.

An Abington aunt who left three kids alone in a car outside Parx casino in July has been sentenced to probation.

Frances Casey, 39, of Rockwell Drive, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in Bucks County Court in Doylestown on Tuesday and was ordered to serve two consecutive 90-day probationary terms.

Casey admitted that she left the children, ages 1, 2 and 9, in her car while she played slots for about 15 minutes on July 16. The children were her sister's.

Casey told police that she went inside only to redeem a voucher for free pots and pans she had won, but then decided to play a slot machine.

Although other people who have left children outside the casino have received prison sentences, Deputy District Attorney Blake Jackman said probation was deemed appropriate for Casey for various reasons, including the length of time the children were unattended and the weather conditions.

"We look at these crimes on a case-by-case basis. We take them very seriously," Jackman said.