Ecorse woman who left baby in car to shop appears in court

(WJBK) - Monday was the first court appearance for Jamie Lyn Stefanko.

Stefanko is an Ecorse mom who was charged after leaving her toddler all by herself inside her parked vehicle as she went inside a Sam's Club last week.

As she stood before the judge the 35-year-old learned the punishment she could face after being charged with misdemeanors of Child Abuse - fourth degree, and Child Abuse - leaving a child unattended in a vehicle.

"This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail or $500 in fines," said the judge.

The judge also read Stefanko her rights and asked her if she needed an attorney.

"I'll hire my own," she said.

The woman revealed she's a medical professional, working as a registered nurse at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. 

The Ecorse mom also revealed that she has a 16-year-old child and then the judge wanted to know if her kids are still living with her.

"CPS came and said the children will remain with me," she said in court. She added the baby was with a babysitter and the older child was in school during her court appearance.

Stefanko received a $500 bond and she faces several restrictions.

"The bond will be on conditional of two things, number one that you do not not use alcohol, drugs or go to bars," the judge said. "You can't possess any firearms. Do you own any firearms?"

"No," she said.

As Stefanko left court she avoided questions. Her next court date is March 23.