A Wausau-area babysitter who left children home alone twice last year is going to jail. Rhonda Piehl will serve seven months in the county jail for leaving the children unattended as she ran errands last April. “I can’t understand why great fear didn’t just overtake you because of what might happen in your absence,” said Marathon County Judge Greg Grau. “I don’t understand you.”
Piehl, who offered a short, tearful apology before sentencing, arguing that she never intended any harm and takes full responsibility for what she did. Parents told the judge Piehl violated their trust and left their children emotionally scarred with the fear of abandonment. Greg Grau said jail time is needed to send a message. “Anybody serving in the child care business needs to know that there is zero tolerance for anything remotely related to what you did.”
Matt Lehman, WSAU
Matt Lehman reports (:40 MP3) AUDIO: Matt Lehman reports (:40 MP3)