BULLHEAD CITY – A Bullhead City child neglect case was completed with light punishment imposed for an at-fault mother. Renee St Michael, 26, Bullhead City will serve no more than two days she previously spent in jail provided she completes three years of probation ordered Friday by Mohave County Superior Court Judge Rick Lambert.

St Michael’s conviction for misdemeanor child abuse is achieved through a plea agreement negotiated by deputy county attorney Jacob Cote and public defender Paul Amman. “She’s paid the highest price that anyone could pay under the circumstances,” Amman told the Court.

Police responded on July 18, 2018 to St Michael’s home at 1074 Tocabima Drive after a neighbor requested a welfare check while reporting a child “crying bloody murder” for two hours. Officers made contact with St Michael and her 2- and 3-year-old children and smelled an odor of rotten trash within the residence.

“Outside, officers observed several bags of trash and trash piled inside a child’s playpen,” said Bullhead City police spokeswoman Emily Fromelt. “Inside, the officer noted trash piled on the floor, animal feces on the floor, used toilet paper next to the toilet and feces in the bathtub.”

A police report indicated that St Michael told officers she and her kids hadn’t eaten for about 9 days. It said they appeared weak and malnourished.

“Renee was taken to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center because she was feeling sick and lethargic,” Fromelt said. “The two children were removed from the home and placed into the custody of Child Protective Services.”

Judge Lambert chided St Michael for spending money on cigarettes and marijuana while neglecting her kids.

“You clearly could have gotten food for them and they didn’t have to go hungry,” said Lambert, noting St Michael should have reached out for help. “Your crime is that you did not get services for those children that were readily available.”

Judge Lambert expressed hope that St Michael can successfully complete probation. He said additional oversight by the Department of Child Safety is in her best interest.

Dave Hawkins