CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Officials with the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office say that they have arrested a 20-year old woman after it is alleged that she did not take action to remove an infant from a residence where they were reportedly being abused by another person.
During an appearance in Laramie County Circuit Court on June 24, 2020, Alyssa Lenhardt was read the recommended charge of Child Abuse of a Victim Under 18 years old – Torture or Cruel Confinement.
Lenhardt is the second person to face charges in this case which involves allegations of life-threatening abuse being committed against an infant under a year old.
In May, Tony Kelly, 36, appeared in court to face charges of Felony Aggravated Child Abuse, Felony Child Endangering – Controlled Substance, and three separate counts of Child Abuse -Physical Injury stemming from allegations that he repeatedly abused and endangered the life of an infant.
Authorities say that their investigation uncovered that Lenhardt did not take any substantial action to remove the infant from danger despite continued evidence that she was well aware of serious abuse and neglect from Kelly.
An affidavit filed in the case reports that investigators obtained a search warrant for Lenhardt’s phone which demonstrates that she knew the infant was being left home alone multiple times without any supervision.
Investigators also say that they spoke with numerous witnesses who were able to provide photographic evidence that showed the infant with various injuries from December of 2019 through February of 2020. Authorities say that witnesses provided statements that indicated that Lenhardt was aware of the injuries.
Court documents advise a witness told law enforcement that in January of 2020 Lenhardt told them that she was considering placing a camera in the residence to catch Kelly being “mean” to the infant.
Authorities go on to allege that the suspect was aware of the use of methamphetamine being used by Kelly in the residence where the infant was residing. The affidavit says that Kelly and Lenhardt both discussed disposing of suspected drugs in the residence during a recorded phone call between them while Kelly was being held in the Laramie County Detention Center.
“Just throw away all of my tweaker stuff away, too,” Kelly reportedly said to Lenhardt during the recorded phone call.
According to law enforcement, Lenhardt seemed to understand exactly what Kelly was referencing when he said “tweaker” stuff.
“{name redacted} is an infant that is not able to crawl or otherwise place themself in a situation where they could cause their own injury. Any sustained injury would have to have to be caused directly to them from being placed in a situation where they could be injured.” investigators stated in the affidavit.
No bond information was available at this time.
According to Wyoming state statutes, any person convicted of Child Abuse committed against a child can face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 10k.
All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.
