Deborah Jespersen, a Jamestown child care provider accused with child abuse, sat before Judge LeFevre in Stutsman County Court at 2pm today, making her first court appearance among a group of other inmates. Jespersen spoke little, but when she did, every word was shaky and tearful. She broke down when mentioning her own daughter.
On April 28th, Jespersen allegedly committed the offense of abuse of a child, with the court asserting there was a degree of intent to cause harm. The 6-month-old child, initials W. R. F., received a spiral arm fracture as a result of the alleged abuse incurred at the daycare they were attending. A spiral fracture occurs when a twisting force is applied to the bone. Jespersen has no other criminal history. The reports of Jespersen allegedly not being a licensed provider did not come up during the hearing.
This is an alleged class B felony. Jesperson could face up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine. Her bail is set at $5,000 unsecured, meaning she does not have to pay cash up front to be released, but must pay up to $5,000 if she violates the conditions of her bail. The conditions include a no-contact order involving the child, W. R. F., and parents, initials R. F. and H. F. If she contacts them it’s a separate offense; she could face 360 days imprisonment and a $3,000 fine. Jespersen has yet to acquire a public defender.
The next step is Jespersen’s preliminary hearing on June 11th, at which time the state will present the evidence needed to show that it is probable a crime was committed, and that Jespersen committed the offense.
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