Mom Who Left Kids In Car For Job Interview Avoids Prosecution

By Dennis Lambert, Al Macias
Published: Friday, July 18, 2014 - 10:42am
Updated: Friday, July 18, 2014 - 4:28pm

A Phoenix woman will avoid prosecution for leaving her two young sons alone in a hot car this spring while she went to a job interview, after agreeing to a deal with prosecutors. 

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said 35-year-old Shanesha Taylor has agreed to complete parenting and substance abuse treatment programs.  

Taylor, who was the beneficiary of an online fundraising campaign that raised more than $114,000, will also have to establish education and child care trust funds for her children with that money.

In return, County Attorney Bill Montgomery said his office will dismiss two felony child abuse charges against her.

"Through participation in a diversion, she’s willing to learn additional skills to make her a successful parent," Montgomery said. "As well as to provide for the safety and well-being of her children."

Taylor was arrested in March after bystanders in Scottsdale reported seeing her two sons, ages 2 years and six months, alone in her car. Taylor told police she had been unable to find a babysitter.

Montgomery calls the agreement a just resolution to the case, which holds Taylor accountable while serving the best interests of her family.

Updated 7/18/14 at 4:28 p.m.