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Cincinnati mom pleads not guilty to child endangerment charges

Cincinnati, OH – A mother is facing serious charges after being accused of abusing her young son. Jennifer Parker, 43, appeared in court on Wednesday to plead not guilty to three counts of child endangerment.

Prosecutors allege that Parker engaged in hospital shopping, bringing her two-year-old son to medical facilities for conditions he did not have. According to Assistant Butler County Prosecutor Lindsay Sheehan, the child has been hospitalized more than 20 times under Parker’s care since birth.

Sheehan informed the court that Parker’s children were removed from her custody in May. Since the removal, the two-year-old has reportedly not been hospitalized and is thriving.

Concerns were raised by staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic regarding Parker’s treatment of her son. Allegations include that she interfered with his ability to eat properly and provided unnecessary medical interventions, such as insulin.

In court, Sheehan noted that staff cited instances where Parker did not provide appropriate medical care and refused to transition her son off a feeding tube that he may not have needed.

Parker addressed claims against her in a Facebook post, stating that she was not the only parent under scrutiny by hospital staff. She mentioned another parent who faced similar allegations by the same inpatient team.

Her fiancé, Michael Carpenter, spoke to the media following the court session, defending Parker as a caring mother who sought the best for her children. He mentioned their son’s ongoing health issues since birth.

Parker was arrested on Monday and is being held on a $50,000 bond at Butler County Jail. She was ordered not to contact her children, who remain under the care of Butler County Children Services. Her next court appearance, for a plea or trial setting, is scheduled for Nov. 24.

Cincinnati man arrested for setting flags on fire in targeted arson attacks

Cincinnati, OH

A man is under arrest for allegedly igniting flags outside several homes. Authorities report that the suspect, Thomas Niehaus, is accused of expressing approval while committing these acts.

Niehaus faces seven counts of aggravated arson and three counts of arson. He is also facing a federal indictment for these incidents.

The incidents reportedly took place on July 30 when Niehaus targeted residences with Pride flags and other decorations.

Witnesses noted Niehaus roaming in Clifton and Northside, setting fire to items including a yard sign featuring a Ukrainian flag.

Prosecutor Connie Pillich condemned the actions, describing them as targeted and hateful. She affirmed the commitment to support the LGBTQIA+ community.

In October, a federal indictment added a new charge for malicious use of fire, according to court documents. Security footage reportedly shows Niehaus shouting homophobic slurs during the incidents.

Niehaus allegedly utilized a tiki torch and fuel while under the influence. He stated he acted on advice from someone he called a friend.

Prosecutors emphasize the potential risk the smaller fires posed to homes nearby. The flames could have led to larger house fires, particularly affecting elderly victims.

During his arraignment in August, Niehaus disrupted the courtroom, shouting about fighting for children. He remains in Butler County Jail on federal hold.