Woman charged with baby neglect makes plea deal

A former Tamaqua woman who reportedly neglected her child while she and the child's father played computer games has settled her case in Schuylkill County Court.

Kristine Achey, who now lives in Allentown, agreed to do 30 hours of community service and completes a year of probation in the ARD program on child endangerment charges. Once her sentence is completed, Achey's criminal record will be expunged.

Achey and Joseph Arcand were turned in to police after two instances where the infant was malnourished and was brought to Gnaden Huetten Hospital in Lehighton in 2005. The couple were reportedly given instruction how to properly feed and care for the child after the first incident. But, the child was taken back to the hospital at five months of age, for the same reason.

The child is reported to be in good health, in the care of his grandparents.