Baby Sitter Cleared Of Child Abuse Despite Confession
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- A Hagerstown woman has been acquitted of charges she sexually abused four children despite her confession to police.
The Herald-Mail reports that a judge found 51-year-old Barbara Ann Williams not guilty Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court because there was no corroborating evidence.
Visiting Judge John Tisdale says a confession alone isn't enough for a conviction.
Williams allegedly told police and a county social services worker she had abused the 1- and 2-year-old children while working as a baby sitter. She said her guilt made her confess.
Assistant Public Defender Thomas Tamm says unstable people often confess to crimes they haven't committed. He says the alleged victims were too young to give evidence.
Assistant State's Attorney Brett Wilson says he disagrees with how the case was handled.
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