Nazila and Linda Sharaf, Calif. sisters, plead not guilty in "swaddling endangerment" case

(CBS/AP) PLEASANTON, Calif. - Two sisters charged with endangering infants' lives at a Northern California preschool by binding them too tightly in swaddling blankets have pleaded not guilty.

The Oakland Tribune reports that Nazila and Lida Sharaf entered their pleas Monday in Alameda County Superior Court.

The sisters have been released from custody after posting $340,000 bail each. Both are charged with three counts of felony child abuse and neglect and four counts of misdemeanor child abuse and neglect.

Authorities say the women wrapped seven babies up like boa constrictors at their Livermore preschool, impairing the children's ability to move and breathe.

Their attorney says the women did not intend to hurt the babies.

Both sisters are pregnant and expecting their second child.