Sussex County Mom Abused Baby To Receive 'Unnecessary' Medical Help: Indictment

A Vernon woman was indicted Tuesday by a Grand Jury for allegedly abusing and neglecting her child for nearly seven years in return for “unnecessary” medical treatment, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

Malinda Lugin, 36, of Vernon is charged with endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly purposely causing harm to her own child, born Nov. 15, 2007, until April 9, 2014, that resulted in a range of medical care.

The medical care included but was not limited to tests, surgeries, and the installation of a feeding tube, the indictment said.

Lugin was arrested on June 11 after an investigation by the Vernon Township Police Department and Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. At the time of the arrest, the prosecutor’s office referred to the Lugin’s conduct as Munchausen-by-Proxy.

The medical definition of Munchausen-by-Proxy is a mental disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care.

According to nj.com, Lugin posted $20,000 bail in late June after it was lowered from $50,000.

Lugin’s arraignment will take place within the next six weeks.