A Jonesboro man pleaded guilty Monday to endangering two infants left home alone at his residence last year.
Matthew D. White, 37, admitted to two counts of second-degree child endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor, and received a 12-month suspended imposition of sentence.
Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Scott Ellington also instructed White to pay court fees and fines in monthly $75 installments.
Court documents state that on September 15, 2024, police were dispatched to the 3400 block of Sun Avenue following a report that two infants — an 11-month-old and a 1-year-old — had been left unsupervised in the home. Officers knocked on the door multiple times but received no response.
"While waiting for a response, officers observed Victim 1 near the door looking at him through the window,” the affidavit stated, adding that the child attempted but failed to open the door.
When no adult answered, officers opened the door and found the second infant inside a playpen in the living room. A safety check of the home revealed no other individuals present.
Due to the children's ages, police determined there was a risk of serious injury or death. White was arrested on felony first-degree child endangerment charges roughly one month later.
By pleading guilty this week, White avoided the original Class D felony charge in favor of the reduced misdemeanor counts. However, he remains under court monitoring and is obligated to comply with all conditions outlined in his sentence.
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