Woman jailed for leaving kids to go see Springer

'I didn't think I'd be gone that long'

Associated Press, various newspapers in the U.S.A., January 21, 2006

WHEATON, Illinois (AP) -- A woman got a 30-day jail sentence for leaving her three young children home alone for several hours, while she and her boyfriend attended a videotaping of "The Jerry Springer Show."

Shannon Cook, 25, pleaded guilty earlier this week to misdemeanor child endangerment. She also was placed on probation for a year."It was an appropriate sentence, given what she did," said DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney Joseph Ruggiero.

The two girls and one boy, all under the age of 4, have been placed in foster homes by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.Police said Cook left the children alone at a suburban home October 19, while she and her boyfriend went to Chicago for the taping. About five hours later the two oldest knocked on the door of a neighbor, who called police.

Cook was arrested when she returned home after midnight. According to a police report, she said: "I didn't think I'd be gone that long."

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