Minnesota couple accused of starving, neglecting adopted son enter plea

Published January 13, 2015

A southern Minnesota couple accused of starving their adopted son have reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Mona and Russell Hauer entered Alford pleas Monday to one count of child neglect. Mona Hauer pleaded to a felony, while Russell Hauer pleaded to a gross misdemeanor.

An Alford plea means the Hauers maintain they are innocent of the underlying behavior, but agree that a jury could find them guilty based on evidence.

The boy was 8 years old and weighed less than 35 pounds last October when his mother took him to a hospital. Authorities said he was 3 feet, 5 inches tall, and about the weight of an average 4-year-old.

Under the plea deal, they could face up to 60 days in jail when sentenced next month.

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