BURLINGTON, Vt. -
A Burlington mom with multiple burglary charges pending gets to keep her kids - even though police say they were there when she broke in. People are outraged, and police say this story isn't over yet. We first told you about 25 year old Shawna Hosmer in June - and then again yesterday.
Hosmer is accused of breaking into multiple homes with her two young children. Hosmer also admittedly has a history of drug use.
"I've made mistakes in the past," Hosmer said.
But in court Thursday, Judge Robert Mello released Hosmer on conditions - and is letting her remain the sole guardian of her daughter and son. Burlington Police are concerned.
"There's no doubt when you take a child into a house that you're burglarizing, that's problematic, disturbing and extremely dangerous," Chief Deputy Andi Higbee said.
Police say in the three times Hosmer burglarized homes with her kids alongside, residents caught her in the act. After the June arrest, Hosmer told me, "I don't condone burglary, I don't condone stealing."
On Thursday, the judge placed Hosmer on a 24 hour curfew, meaning she has to be home at all times, with the only exception - bringing her daughter to and from school. But when I stopped by her apartment at noon on Friday, no one came to the door.
The prosecuting attorney on the case hasn't appealed the judge's decision to the supreme court, but our friends on Facebook who are outraged have the option to make a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Board. Vickie Johnson says "I hope her kids are safe with a family member or in DCF custody." The Vermont Department for Children and Families confirmed they are investigating the case.
"We'll do our best to make sure those children are safe and that justice is brought in this case," Higbee said.
Burlington Police plan to look at other unsolved burglaries in the area to see if Hosmer may have been involved. She's looking at 33 years in prison.
