Woman pleads guilty to putting her children at risk

MURRIETA - A woman who allowed her three young children to ride without seatbelts in a pickup truck that turned over while being towed pleaded guilty last Thursday to misdemeanor charges.

Maura Padilla Garcia, 37, admitted negligence in the April 3 accident on state Route 74 that left two of her children with minor injuries.

Garcia reached a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office that spared her jail time for three counts of child endangerment and one count of delaying or obstructing a peace officer.

Superior Court Judge Daniel Ottolia sentenced her to three years probation.

According to sheriff’s officials, the defendant and her children – ages 5, 3 and 1 – were riding unsecured in a Mazda pickup truck being towed by a larger Ford pickup when the

mishap occurred.

As the Ford turned off the highway and onto Gunnerson Street in Lake Elsinore, the Mazda’s wheels separated from the roadway, and the vehicle rolled onto its side, according to sheriff’s Sgt. David Sanches.

Garcia took her children to a nearby residence in an effort to hide them from deputies and paramedics – and avoid questioning – but didn’t succeed, Sanches said.

The two youngest children suffered minor injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment, while the 5-year-old was released to his father at the scene, Sanches said.

Garcia was arrested on the spot.