GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) - A Great Falls woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for causing the overdose death of her 1-year-old grandson in 2013.
Tracy Ann Harless, 50, was sentenced Monday to the maximum penalty for negligent homicide, the Great Falls Tribune (https://gftrib.com/1btSGGi ) reported.
Court records say Riley Padilla died on July 28, 2013, of an overdose of the narcotic pain medication oxycodone that would have been fatal for an adult. The boy’s autopsy also indicated the presence of cocaine.
Charging documents say a test of Harless’ blood indicated she also had oxycodone and cocaine in her system.
Harless pleaded guilty in March as part of an agreement in which prosecutors would recommend a 20-year prison term with 15 suspended, but District Judge Greg Pinski noted at the time he was not bound by that recommendation.
Harless told the judge Monday that she was not careless or negligent with her grandson and her daughters, including Riley’s mother, asked that she be sentenced to chemical dependency and psychological treatment.
Pinski noted Harless was free on bond for nearly two years and didn’t seek any sort of treatment.
Pinski said he handed down the maximum penalty because Harless minimized the amount of danger she placed her grandson in, calling Harless’ residence a “drug den.”
Prosecutors say Harless was babysitting her grandson while the boy’s mother went to the fair.
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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, https://www.greatfallstribune.com
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