Primghar, Iowa — The third person to face charges in connection with the death of a Sheldon infant in 2020 has been acquitted of the charges against her.
Stacie Hurlburt had been charged with two counts of Accessory After the Fact, in connection with the death of a 5-month old Sheldon infant in July of 2020.
Hurlburt had been accused of helping the baby girl’s parents, Larry Ruotolo and Brittanee Baker, concoct a cover story about how the infant suffered the injuries that claimed her life.
Hurlburt had waived her right to a jury trial, instead opting to have her case heard by District Court Judge David C. Larson. The trial took place in O’Brien County District Court earlier this year, with Judge Larson rendering his verdict on Wednesday (June 15th). Judge Larson found Hurlburt Not Guilty on both charges, according to online court records.
The infant’s father, Larry Ruotolo, accepted a plea deal last fall which saw him sentenced to 5-years in prison for one count of Child Endangerment with Bodily Injury. A second identical charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement, according to online court records.
The baby’s mother, Brittanee Baker, received a 5-year suspended prison sentence and two years probation earlier this year on one count of Child Endangerment with Bodily Injury. A second identical charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to online court records.
