In brief: Grandmother enters plea in neglect case

The grandmother of twin 2-year-old girls found with injuries and living in filthy conditions has reached a plea in the neglect case.

Ruth K. Cassidy, 55, entered an Alford plea to one count of felony injury to a child. Prosecutors agreed to drop a second count. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges prosecutors have enough evidence to get a conviction.

District Judge John Luster scheduled Cassidy’s sentencing for April 13.

Kootenai County deputy prosecutor Donna Gardner says 26-year-old Elisabeth Crossley is likely to be arraigned next week. She is also charged with two counts of felony injury to a child after her children were found in a bedroom with no clothes and dried feces caked on their bodies.

Associated Press

Child porn suspect ordered back to jail

A suspect in a child pornography case previously allowed to leave jail on his own recognizance has been ordered held without bail after a federal indictment.

Darrel W. Monzingo, 44, faces up to 30 years in prison for five charges that include two counts of production of child pornography.

U.S. Magistrate Cynthia Imbrogno ruled Monday that the charges were too serious to allow Monzingo out of custody. He does not have a stable address and he has not undergone a mental health assessment, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court.

Monzingo was arrested Dec. 16 after Spokane police found child pornography during a search of his home at 3403 E. Fairview Ave.

Spokane County Superior Court Judge Michael Price released Monzingo from jail on his own recognizance the next day; he was arrested on the federal charges last week. He has pleaded not guilty.

Meghann M. Cuniff

Foundation gives $340,000 to groups

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation announced Tuesday that it will award $340,000 in grants to three Spokane organizations.

Community Frameworks will receive $175,000 to expand its program to help low-income people in Spokane and North Idaho build financial stability and purchase homes.

Partners with Families and Children: Spokane will receive $135,000 to support its financial counseling of families of at-risk children.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture will receive $30,000.

Staff reports