Van Nuys woman who took a car with an 11-month-old baby boy aboard entered a plea in the case today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kraetsch said Maria Elizabeth DeLaTorre (dob 11/21/93) pleaded no contest to one felony count of child abuse.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 3 in Department 120 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Van Nuys Branch. DeLaTorre faces four years in state prison as a result of the plea.

On April 3, the defendant allegedly stole a car that was left running as the baby's mother stood feet away with another son, the prosecutor said. The car was found nearby about two hours later with the child still in his car seat, alone but unharmed, the prosecutor added.

Case LA088356 was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, Van Nuys Station.

Los Angeles District Attorney / Case LA088356 / June5 15, 2018