Des Moines woman sentenced for leaving kids in filthy home

DES MOINES, Iowa – A Des Moines woman who pleaded guilty to leaving her three young children alone in a filthy, feces-covered home has been sentenced to probation.

The Des Moines Register reports a judge Friday sentenced 26-year-old Destinee K. Miller to three years of probation, which she’ll serve in a women’s residential facility. She must complete substance abuse and mental health treatment, and she must maintain a job or pursue an education.

Miller pleaded guilty in February to neglect or abandonment of a dependent person.

Police arrested Miller in October after her children ages 4, 2 and 1 were found outside their home. One child was covered in feces and another had a full diaper.

Defence lawyer Nicholas Dial says Miller takes responsibility but noted she was overwhelmed and in a bad relationship.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com