(Emmetsburg)– A former northwest Iowa daycare provider has been sentenced in connection with the death of a 23-month-old infant who was under her care back in 2023 at an Emmetsburg Day Care Center. 31-year-old Hannah Priest received an indeterminate prison term of up to 50 years, with eligibility for parole.
Priest was charged with one count of child endangerment in connection with the death of 23-month-old Sebastian Jespersen. The child was found unresponsive on January 19th, 2023 while under Priest’s care. The child was taken to a Des Moines Hospital where he died a few days later. An autopsy determined the infant died of brain trauma consistent with inflicted injuries.
Priest was arrested on September 1st, 2023 following an investigation by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation.
She initially had pleaded not guilty, but changed her plea in October of this year.
