Grandmother Avoids Jail After Leaving Infant in Cold, Rainy Ditch

Anastasia Vaughn. (OTCDF)

Fergus Falls, MN – A Fergus Falls woman who pleaded guilty to leaving her infant grandchild in a cold, rainy ditch may not serve additional jail time.

According to court documents, a witness driving near Swan Lake at around 4:30 p.m. on October 29th, 2024 saw 52-year-old Anastasia Elizabeth Vaughn walking in a ditch with the infant, before she disappeared and reappeared without the child. Prosecutors say the witness got out of their vehicle, found the infant lying in the ditch, and called law enforcement.

Fergus Falls Police say that when they found Vaughn, she showed signs of impairment and was confused and looking for the child. Vaughn was arrested and gave a preliminary breath test that indicated a blood alcohol concentration of .229. Officers say it was around 50 degrees, windy, and rainy at the time of the incident.

On Monday, June 9th, Vaughn pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 45 days in jail and 2 years of probation for endangering a child. However, Judge Michael Fritz ordered that instead of spending the 45 days in jail, the time can be served by doing 492 hours of service work within one year.