Day-care operator pleads guilty in infant's death

YOUNGSTOWN — A woman who ran an East Side day care center entered guilty pleas in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court today for the death of 4-month-old Mekhi Dawson there Jan. 30.

Visiting Judge Richard Reimbold accepted Alford pleas to charges of involuntary manslaughter, a third degree felony; and child endangering, a first degree misdemeanor, from Deborah Pointdexter, 46, of Lennox Avenue.

Pointdexter ran the day care where the infant was found dead.

Pointdexter told police she went upstairs while the baby was in the basement and when she returned the baby was crying. Paramedics were called but the baby died at the scene.

An Alford plea means a defendant maintains their innocence but acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a jury to find them guilty.

Prosecutors are recommending probation for Pointdexter, who has no prior criminal record.