Midwife in child-neglect case plans to protest

Art Nadler

Monday, March 29, 1999 | 11:10 a.m.

A midwife charged with child neglect involving complications following the birth of a baby in January plans to organize a protest on the courthouse steps when she goes on trial next month.

Kellie Sparkman, 39, has been charged with child neglect with substantial bodily harm, according to the bailiff's report. Sparkman was arrested Friday in connection with the birth of Sarai Coreas-Cruz, who was born on Jan. 8. Sparkman was released on $3,000 bail on Friday.

The baby retained meconium, fecal matter, in her lungs following the home birth, Sparkman said. She said the baby had problems breathing after birth but was able to drink a bottle of formula.

Two hour later, when Sparkman said she felt the baby was still having problems breathing, she took her to Sunrise Hospital.

A physician at the hospital later contacted Metro suspecting child neglect.

Sparkman said she was contacted by a detective at Metro on Feb. 9, but when her husband, Jim, wasn't allowed to stay in the interview, the couple left. The Sparkmans said before leaving, the detective said she was going to file charges.

An April 26 court hearing is scheduled for 8 a.m. in Justice Court, Jim Sparkman said.

"God made this baby's heart beat, and God saved this baby," Kellie Sparkman said today.

"I took her to intensive care. They wouldn't take her. We had to take her up front to the triage where everyone goes. They spent a lot of time running us around the hospital when we got there."