Edmond Woman Ordered To Pay Fine After Child Abuse Conviction

A foster mother convicted of child abuse after a 2-year-old girl died in her care must pay a $5,000 fine.

Naomi Whitecrow died in 2009 while living with Amy Holder. A Logan County jury convicted Holder on October 4. Instead of jail time, jurors recommended the fine.

On Monday, a judge ordered Holder to pay $5,000. Her attorney said she is ready to pay immediately. The judge also said he had been inundated with hundreds of letters and emails from people asking for a harsher sentence for Holder. But, he said Oklahoma law mandates that he must enter a sentence imposed by the jury.

However, the District Attorney recommended 4 additional parameters and the judge agreed, requiring Holder to register as a violent offender for the next 10 years, pay $10,000 to the victim compensation fund, pay $150 to an OSBI fund and undergo child abuse counseling.

Naomi Whitecrow's family is outraged by the sentence. Kala Whitecrow, the child's mother, is suing Holder and her husband, as well as DHS for wrongful death and negligence. After the sentence was read, Whitecrow had an outburst in the courtroom and yelled at Holder. Whitecrow then left the courtroom in tears and got violently ill in the courthouse.

Supporters from the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribe rallied outside the courthouse. They say the extra parameters are not enough.

"No, it doesn't give me any comfort to know she is free to hurt another child," said Debby Whitecrow, Naomi's aunt.

Holder chose not to speak during or after her sentencing. Her attorney spoke instead.

"There's no winners in this case, it's a tragic, tragic ordeal," said Scott Adams, Holder's attorney. "We feel awful about it and extend our sympathies to the Whitecrow family. We're just trying to let Amy get on with her life at this point."

More:

11/6/2011 Related Story: Judges To Sentence Logan County Foster Mother, Greer County Warden's Wife Monday

11/2/2011 Related Story: Tribal Members Rally In Support Of Naomi Whitecrow

10/10/2011 Related Story: Child's Death Raises Questions Over Edmond Woman's Parenting Record

10/4/2011 Related Story: Edmond Woman Convicted Of Child Abuse In Death Of Foster Child