Prosecutor's Office Takes on Tanning Mom Case

The criminal case against the mother accused of endangering the welfare of her her five-year-old daughter by allowing her to use a tanning salon bed was referred to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office this morning, according to Nutley Police Chief John Holland.

Nutley Police officials said earlier that they arrested Patricia Krentcil, 44, of Nutley for endangering the welfare of her five-year-old daughter at 10:45 a.m. on April 23. Her daughter was burned at a tanning booth at an unspecified Nutley location, according to Holland. Krentcil posted bail in Nutley and was taken to the Camden County Sheriff’s Department on unrelated charges.

She later posted a $25,000 bail and was released, according to Holland.

Holland said that children under 14 are not allowed to tan at indoor salons, while those 14 to 17 years old may do so with signed parental consent in New Jersey.

Krentcil has denied the accusations in published reports.

Katherine Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, said the office, "is investigating the case further."

Holland said, "In a case like this, when the matter is referred to the Prosecutor, we are to have no further comment."