Crime & Safety

Burnsville Woman Gets 1 Year Of Prison For Assaulting Baby

The baby suffered permanent brain damage as a result of the woman's assault. She was asked to care for the child by the baby's mother.

BURNSVILLE, MN — A Burnsville woman has been sentenced for beating a 9-month-old baby boy. Mei Yen Lam, 35, pled guilty Aug. 15 to one count of assault in connection with serious injuries inflicted on the child she was caring for Feb. 5, 2018.

The baby survived, but suffered severe and permanent brain damage as a result of these injuries, police said.

Judge Michael Mayer sentenced Lam to 365 days in jail, with probation for 20 years. Restitution was also ordered to be paid in the amount of $78,098.47, according to a news release.

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"The abuse and mistreatment of a child is unconscionable," Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said in a statement. "Our thoughts for continued improvement of this child are extended to the baby’s parents and family."

Backstrom praised Assistant County Attorney Heather Pipenhagen, who prosecuted the case. Backstrom thanked the Burnsville Police Department and the medical professionals who provided care to this baby.

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