Crime & Safety

Woman Admits To Leaving Her Child Alone At The Mall

Natalia Rosca left her 4-year-old daughter in a play area for an hour while she went shopping

A Mentor woman pleaded guilty to and was convicted of a charge of child endangering Monday in .

Natalia Rosca, 37, was charged while she went shopping.

Judge John Trebets chose not to sentence Rosca Monday. Instead he asked that a a presentence report, which will help him select the most appropriate punishment, be compiled.

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The day of Rosca's sentencing has not been picked but it will be in September.

Rosca was arrested May 30 in one of the mall's play areas.

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The shoppers told mall's Guest Services Department who, in turn, made a call over the loudspeaker and even called store owners to see if they could find the girl's mother.

They also contacted mall security who called the police.

The girl was spotted by herself at 5:30 p.m., Mentor Police arrived at 6 p.m. and the mother -- Rosca -- returned to the play area at 6:30 p.m., police said.

She told the police that she had been shopping at JC Penney.

"She said she didn't think that it was that big of a problem and that she didn't plan to be gone that long," Mentor Police Lt. Ken Zbiegien .

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