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TULSA, Okla. >> A not guilty plea has been entered for a pregnant mother of 12 charged with child neglect after authorities found her children in a trash-strewn home with collapsing ceilings and no running water.
Special Judge Deborrah Ludi-Leitch entered the plea Thursday on behalf of the 38-year-old woman, who appeared by video from jail. Leitch also appointed a public defender for her and set a June 30 court date.
The Associated Press is not naming the woman in order to protect the identities of the children.
Records show she has had at least 33 Oklahoma Department of Human Services referrals and investigations.
She was arrested last week after authorities found trash littered feet deep in areas of the house and a yard with mattresses that had been infested with bed bugs.
