Long Island Aide Who Left Autistic Man In Car Pleads Guilty

MINEOLA, N.Y. (AP) -- A Long Island health care aide admits she left her autistic ward in a locked car to work a second job driving a school bus.

Esther Reyes pleaded guilty Friday to endangering the welfare of a disabled person by repeatedly leaving the young man in a vehicle parked outside her home in Freeport. The 23-year-old is prone to seizures.

Reyes also pleaded guilty to third-degree grand larceny and witness tampering. Prosecutors say she asked two people to intimidate a witness.

Reyes could have gotten up to seven years in prison, but a Nassau County judge has committed to giving her probation when she is sentenced next month.

Prosecutors say Reyes violated Medicaid regulations that prohibit care providers from taking another job during the hours they're supposed to be caring for patients.
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