Deschutes County, Ore. – Late Wednesday a Deschutes County Grand Jury returned an indictment charging January Neatherlin with 114 criminal charges related to a baby sitting business she operated in Bend.
Neatherlin, a 31-year old resident of Bend, was charged with 76 counts of criminal mistreatment in the first degree and 38 counts of recklessly endangering another person.
Neatherlin is alleged to have, on numerous occasions, left the 2-7 kids in her care, who ranged in ages from 6 months to 4 years old, alone in her house when she went to the gym and tanning salon.
“Nothing is more precious than the safety and security of our children,” said Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel. “If the allegations against Ms. Neatherlin are proven in court I will seek the maximum penalty authorized by law.”
Bail was previously set by the court at $200,000. Neatherlin is presumed innocent and has the opportunity to contest these allegations starting at her next court hearing on March 23.
This is an ongoing investigation and if the public has information about Neatherlin’s baby-sitting operation they are encouraged to call the Bend Police Department at 541-693-6911. Neatherlin has also gone by the names January Livsey and January Brooks.