CLEARFIELD –Stephanie McGuire, who was sent to state prison for her involvement in an assault on her three-week-old child, was back in court Thursday.
In March last year Aaron Mills, 33, and the girl’s mother, McGuire, 23, of Osceola Mills were both charged by state police after the girl was examined by McGuire’s physician for a severe diaper rash.
It was discovered that both of the girl’s legs were broken. She had abrasions on her face, a tear inside her mouth between her gums and nose along with a cracked rib and tears in her rectum, according to information at the preliminary hearing.
McGuire pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, criminal conspiracy, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and possession of drug paraphernalia in April when Judge Paul Cherry gave her a total sentence of two to seven years in state prison followed by three years probation.
She had signed an open plea for a total of 10 years of supervision.
Leanne Nedza, attorney for McGuire, filed a motion for reconsideration of sentence, which was discussed in motions court in May.
At that time, Nedza said that the sentence was outside the aggravated range, which requires the judge to list his reasons for the severe sentence in the court order. This was not included.
This aspect of the reconsideration motion was granted and McGuire was transported from state prison Thursday to appear before Cherry for resentencing.
Cherry stated that although his reasoning for the long sentence was mentioned during her sentencing hearing, it was not a part of the sentencing order as required.
He resentenced her again to two to seven years in state prison with three years consecutive probation.
He then explained he chose this sentence because of the serious nature of the case and the injuries as well as her “callous indifference to the suffering of the child.”
Prior to sentencing, Nedza reminded the judge that Mills admitted to causing the injuries to the baby. She stated that once McGuire is released, she will live with her sister adding that McGuire has the support of her family, two members of which appeared in court to voice their opinions.
McGuire’s sister, Cassandra McGuire said their family is ready, willing and able to support her. She stated that Stephanie made a mistake in trusting Aaron and asked the judge to keep her “closer to home.”
Her aunt, Diane McGuire, also stated that it was not Stephanie, who hurt the baby and mentioned that after taking the child repeatedly to the doctor for diaper rash, she was told not to come back.
During the original sentencing hearing, Nedza said McGuire actually took the child to the doctor four times after the baby was born. She also stated Mills watched the child for the first time the night before the injuries were discovered.
Mills was sentenced in February to 15 to 40 years in state prison.
