Mankato couple accused of starving son enter plea

Published 10:38 am Tuesday, October 22, 2013

MINNEAPOLIS — A southern Minnesota couple accused of starving their adopted son to the point that authorities said his bones were protruding reached a plea agreement with prosecutors Monday.

Mona and Russell Hauer entered Alford pleas to one count each of child neglect. Mona Hauer pleaded to a felony, while Russell Hauer pleaded to a gross misdemeanor. An Alford plea is a form of guilty plea in which the defendant maintains his innocence, but agrees a jury could find him guilty based on the state’s evidence.

The Hauers could each face a maximum of 60 days in jail when they are sentenced next month, attorneys for the state and defense said.

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