Lakeville Dad Gets 2 Years Probation For Abandoning Son
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A Lakeville, Minn. dad was sentenced to two years probation after abandoning his 11-year-old son last July.
In addition, Steven Cross was sentenced to 45 days in jail, with credit for 32 days served. He received a stay of execution for the remaining days.
The court ordered Cross to pay an $80 fine and restitution costs of $2,520.
Until the custody hearings are completed, Cross cannot have any direct or indirect contact with his son. He must also remain law abiding and not use alcohol or drugs.
Cross was convicted of one count of gross misdemeanor child neglect, after leaving his son alone on July 18, 2011. Cross' home had been lost in foreclosure and police say he left behind letters telling the boy, Sebastian Cross, to go to a neighbor's home and ask if they would become his legal guardian.
Authorities arrested Cross on Aug. 29, 2011 in California. Sebastian is currently living in foster care with his aunt.
