LENTINE CASE Judge to mull early release

The former area resident sobbed as she was sentenced.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A woman sentenced to three years in prison for causing the death of her newborn child has a chance for early release.
Judge W. Wyatt McKay of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court said during Wednesday's sentencing hearing for Danielle M. Lentine that if she behaves well in prison and continues receiving psychological help, he will consider some type of judicial release.
Lentine would have to serve at least six months before release could be granted, court officials said.
"I am planning to file a motion for judicial release as soon as I can," said Atty. Anthony Consoldane, who represents Lentine.
He noted that his client has been in the county jail since her March arrest and has taken part in mental-health programs there.
Lentine pleaded guilty in June to a charge of involuntary manslaughter.
About the case: Police say Lentine, of Columbus, killed her newborn baby in 1998 in her parents' Howland Township home.
Lentine, who sobbed during the hearing, told the judge, "There are no words to explain how sorry I am."
"I am so sorry for all the pain and suffering I have caused my family," Lentine said. "I am seeking and trying to find God's forgiveness."
Lentine's father, Anthony, told the court that although he and his wife do not condone or approve of their daughter's behavior, they love her and recognize that she is very troubled.
Anthony Lentine added that he wants to make sure his daughter receives psychological help.
Howland police say Lentine gave birth to a baby girl either in March, April or May of 1998, suffocated the child, stuffed her into a garbage bag and hid the bag in a crawl space in her parents' home.
Found infant: The infant was found March 17 by Anthony Lentine.
An affidavit filed by the county prosecutor's with the court states that the crawl space was accessible only from the bedroom, which Danielle Lentine used to use. The affidavit also stated that the baby moved after it was born and that Lentine intentionally killed the infant by suffocating it.
She had not lived at the Howland home since July 1999, according to an attorney representing Lentine's father.
Lentine has two boys, ages 1 and 7, officials said. The 7-year-old lives with Lentine's parents, and the infant lives with her fianc & eacute; and his parents in Youngstown, officials said.