Las Cruces Police arrest mother of underdeveloped child; charge her with abuse

A Las Cruces mother police suspect of failing to provide adequate nutrition for her 10-month-old underdeveloped daughter has been arrested and charged with child abuse, according to police officials.

Sarah A. Chavez, 27, has been charged with one count of negligent child abuse.

Las Cruces Police detectives said that Chavez’s 10-month-old daughter was admitted to El Paso Children’s Hospital on March 14 because, according to medical professionals, she was small for her age, had difficulty sitting without support and weighed about 13 pounds.

Medical professionals determined that the young girl was not receiving the proper nutrition expected for a 10-month-old, according to polcie.

Police said that Chavez failed to feed her daughter as directed by medical staff between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m. because the young child would get used to eating during those hours. Child Protective Services told police that Chavez removed her daughter from the hospital against the advice of medical professionals on March 17.

Child Protective Services subsequently took custody of the young girl who was readmitted to El Paso Children’s Hospital on March 19. She has since been receiving adequate nutrition to gain weight.

Chavez was arrested March 27, and booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $10,000. She posted bond the same day.