Emmetsburg, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — A former Emmetsburg daycare provider has been sentenced in connection with a toddler under her care.

23-month-old Sebastian Jesperson passed away in January of 2023, days after Hannah Priest reported finding the boy “unresponsive” on his cot.

An autopsy performed by the State Medical Examiner determined the child died of brain trauma consistent with “inflicted injuries.” Jesperson told authorities she was unaware of any activity that might have caused the trauma, but in a subsequent interview said she had grown frustrated because Sebastian had not gone to the bathroom before bedtime and forced him onto the cot.

After being charged in September of 2023 Priest plead “not guilty” of any wrongdoing. She had been scheduled to go on trial in April was the defense was granted a delay. She then changed her plea to “guilty” in October.

The judge Monday order Priest to serve up to 50 years in prison, but she is eligible for parole.