Woman Leaves Kids at Home Alone, Takes Vacation
Like many people, 30-year-old Erin Lee Macke had trouble planning a solo vacation around her four kids. Unlike most people, Macke reportedly decided to leave the children home alone while she went to Germany for twelve days.
Johnston, Iowa, Police Department Lt. Lynn Aswegan confirmed that Macke was being charged with four counts of child endangerment. The department also shared that officers were called to Macke's home after the father of two of Macke's children reported that the mother had already left for her trip.
According to Aswegan, "There was nobody lined up to be with the children. Apparently she had talked to a couple of family members that earlier on had some conflicts watching the children during that time-frame, and she gave them the indication she had it taken care of."
"She felt comfortable that the kids were responsible enough to take care of themselves during that duration."
When officers did show up to Macke's apartment, one of her 12-year-old twins was setting the table to feed the rest of the children, including 6-year-old and 7-year-old daughters. One of the twins also allegedly showed officers where Macke kept a gun and ammunition.
Macke was reportedly visiting Germany to see a brother and a niece. When reached by the department, she flew back to Iowa and was arrested.
Aswegan perhaps articulated the dismay over Macke's actions best: "Everyone juggles with whether or not your kids are responsible enough and you take distance and duration in account. I think everyone would raise an eyebrow on the judgment used in this decision."
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