Brown granted Mental Health Alternative sentencing after biting infant nephew

COLFAX — A Pullman woman who bit her infant nephew in December was granted a Mental Health Sentencing Alternative in Superior Court on Friday, Aug. 9.

During the court sentencing, Superior Court Judge Gary Libey granted the state’s recommendation for the alternative.

Tia Brown, 19, of Pullman was charged on Jan. 2, 2024, with Assault of a Child in the Second Degree.

During the court hearing Whitman County Deputy Prosecutor Lindsi Alcantar told the court that on Dec. 28, Brown had been babysitting her 6-month-old nephew who she ended up biting, leaving bite marks all over his body.

Brown pled guilty on June 6, 2024, to the charge of Assault of a Child in the Second Degree.

Brown’s sister, Mercedes Pinnell, spoke over zoom during the hearing. “This instance had been about 7 months ago and there are still discolorations on my son, so that’s how severe they were,” she said.

Pinnell said that the incident has caused her anxiety, depression and PTSD.

“I am unable to trust anyone with my son at all,” she said.

Pinnell said that she feels Brown has no remorse for her actions and needs to continue the treatment she needs.

Brown told the court that she has been going to a doctor.

“It’s actually been helping with my mental health quite a bit, as I suffer from PTSD, anxiety and severe depression it is very hard,” Brown said. “I may not show a lot of emotion, but I definitely feel it and write it down.”

Brown said that she does feel remorse.

“It’s been extremely helpful moving away and finally getting my first job and living in a stable home,” Brown said.

Libey took the state’s recommendation, saying Ms. Brown is eligible for the Mental Health Sentencing Alternative.

Libey ordered Brown be subject to community custody for 24 months and that she not consume or possess alcohol or controlled substances without a prescription.

“I hope she can get through,” Libey said, noting that she is only 19 and if she doesn’t follow through it can be revoked and she could end up in prison for 31 to 41 months.

“This is a successful outcome for Whitman County, it holds Ms. Brown accountable for her egregious actions when she was entrusted to watch her 6-month-old nephew, while also allowing Ms. Brown to seek the mental health treatment she requires,” said Alcantar.

Alcantar said that the Mental Health Sentencing Alternative is an avenue for those suffering from serious mental illness.

“It provides treatment and incentive for individuals who otherwise may not seek help,” Alcantar said. “When successfully completed it provides for a safer community for society. And if not successfully completed will result in prison.”