A Jefferson County woman is facing felony charges after authorities say she left her infant child home alone while involved in a single-vehicle crash.
On March 10, at approximately 12:37 a.m., the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident just south of Douds in rural Van Buren County.
Law enforcement reported Krystal Phillips, 37, of Batavia, was the driver of the vehicle. She was transported to Van Buren County Hospital for her injuries. According to authorities, deputies observed multiple signs of impairment, and Phillips is suspected of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
During the investigation, deputies learned that Phillips had left her two-month-old infant at her residence on the 1000 block of Batavia Road. According to the criminal complaint, Phillips was found approximately 28 miles from her home at the time of the accident.
Authorities say the infant was discovered at the residence lying on a bed surrounded by pillows, creating a substantial risk of suffocation. Deputies reported that no one else was present to care for the child.
A warrant was issued for Phillips’ arrest. On March 12th the Wapello County Sheriff Department served the arrest warrant. She was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Wapello County Jail on a $10,000 cash/surety bond.
Phillips is charged with Neglect or Abandonment of a Dependent Person, a Class C felony. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26.
