OSSINING (AP) -- A couple accused of running an illegal day care are charged with child endangerment following a baby's death.
According to the Journal News, Maria Villa Loja and Jose Lalvey Chacha of Ossining pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
The three-count misdemeanor indictment is related to the April death of 5-month-old Monica Yunga and the alleged endangerment of two other children.
Prosecutors said the sleeping baby likely suffocated after pulling a blanket over her face. It's alleged that Villa Loja summoned her husband home from work, and he did not want her to call 911.
The mother found her baby over an hour later and flagged down a passing police car.
Defense lawyer James Timko says the tragic death could have happened anywhere.
The defendants became parents three weeks ago.
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