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Guilty Plea In Bradford County On Child Endangerment

TOWANDA — A woman pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child. Mary Beth Frankenfield of the New Albany area, was...

TOWANDA -- A woman pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Mary Beth Frankenfield of the New Albany area, was at the Bradford County Courthouse in Towanda.

She sobbed in front of the judge as he asked her if she takes responsibility for keeping the girl - who was 10 years old at the time - with special needs in a makeshift cage.

Prosecutors also say Frankenfield, and her husband Richard kept the girl locked in a closet for hours at a time at their home here along Route 220 in the New Albany area.

When the judge asked Frankenfield if she admitted to endangering the girl who has cerebral palsy, she said "I guess, I was told I was not allowed to lock the door, so yes."

Prosecutors say Richard Frankenfield still faces charges in the case

"The whole situation as we understand it was complex and rather troubling. We're continuing to review the matter. We felt this was an appropriate resolution to this part of the case and we'll see what future developments may happen," said Bradford County District Attorney Daniel Barrett.

Mary Beth Frankenfield's attorney told the judge the couple kept the girl locked up because she used to climb out and do things

The girl is not with the Frankenfields anymore

Frankenfield is scheduled to be sentenced next month and faces a maximum of five years in prison

The case against her husband continues in Bradford County

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