Woman arrested after severely malnourished 8-year-old son admitted to hospital weighing just 27 pounds: Cops

Authorities in Tennessee say a woman has been arrested on suspicion of allowing her son to become dangerously malnourished and dehydrated.

According to the Bristol Herald Courier, 29-year-old Leah Kraus was the primary caregiver to her 8-year-old son when he was admitted to the hospital in November.

A medical examination found he weighed just 27 pounds at the time.

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According to Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Detective Michelle Gilliam, the agency launched an investigation into Kraus following the child’s diagnosis as severely dehydrated and malnourished. The investigation resulted in her arrest on Wednesday, but due to the victim’s age, additional details including the scope of alleged neglect were not included in initial media reports.

A grand jury found sufficient evidence to bring an indictment against Kraus, according to the Kingsport Times News.

The Blountville woman is expected to face criminal charges including four counts of aggravated child neglect.

As of the latest reports available, she remained behind bars with bond set at $50,000.

Her son was reportedly transferred into the custody of the state’s Department of Children’s Service — and has shown notable physical and health improvements in the months since.

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[Featured image: Leah Kraus, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office]