Child Abuse Suspect Gets Break

A Prichard mom accused of allowing her boyfriend to seriously abuse her 5-month-old twins is out of jail hours after a judge reduced her bond.

Prosecutors agreed this morning to lower the bond for Marketa Sharpe, 25, from $50,000 to $1,500 because the state was not prepared to present their case against the mother. Police say Sharpe, who was scheduled to stand trial for child neglect and child endangerment, allowed Larry West, 28, to break her babies' arms, legs, ribs and use a cigarette to burn the feet of one of the children.

"The problem today is that the state is not ready," said Steve Giardini, the Assistant District Attorney handling the case. "In exchange for getting a continuance we agreed the bonds ought to be lowered in this case."

West's bond was lowered from $50,000 to $10,000, but as of late Tuesday afternoon he was still in jail.

Sharpe's trial is rescheduled for October 30th. The children are in state custody.