Two Sitkans charged in connection with an October child abuse case were sentenced in Sitka Superior Court in early April.
Superior Court Judge David George sentenced 52-year-old Ernestine Dugaqua to 40 months in jail, with 24 suspended, for third-degree assault against her grandchild.
Assistant District Attorney Jean Seaton says the charge deals with someone who neglects to seek medical attention for a child in their care. Dugaqua also received 30 days for violation of her duties as a custodian of children. A third assault charge, for repeated injury to a child, was dismissed.
She’ll be on probation for 5 years after her release.
Also convicted in the case was 21-year-old Frank Natkong, the children’s uncle. He was sentenced to 36 months in jail with 25 suspended, for third-degree assault. He received an additional 30 days for violating conditions of release.
The case came to light about six months ago when Dugaqua’s grandchildren were removed from her home. A 5-year-old girl was placed into foster care and a 3-year-old boy was taken to SEARHC, where he was placed into the critical care unit.
