A Long Beach woman has been indicted on kidnapping-related charges after prosecutors say she tried to take a 15-month-old child from a stroller during a daytime confrontation with the toddler’s great-grandfather.
Heather Magone, 40, was arraigned Thursday in Nassau County Court on charges including Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Reckless Endangerment.
According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the incident happened on April 6 at approximately 12:15 p.m. near the intersection of Laurelton Boulevard and West Penn Street in Long Beach.
Prosecutors said a 79-year-old man was taking his 15-month-old great-granddaughter for a walk when Magone allegedly approached from behind while walking a dog.
Authorities allege Magone grabbed at the stroller and attempted to take the child. During the struggle, she allegedly scratched and bit the child’s great-grandfather, causing cuts and bruises.
Investigators said Magone pulled the man’s hands away from the stroller, causing it to tip over while the toddler remained strapped inside.
Prosecutors allege Magone continued trying to reach the child until the great-grandfather was able to push her away and restrain her on the ground.
When Long Beach police officers arrived, authorities said Magone again attempted to reach the toddler, allegedly unzipping and tearing the child’s sleep sack before officers took her into custody.
The child was not injured.
According to court proceedings, Magone pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the arraignment, prosecutors said Magone told authorities she had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. Court proceedings also revealed she had tested positive for marijuana multiple times following her arrest.
Defense attorney Lloyd Nadel said his client has undergone psychiatric and substance abuse evaluations and is participating in treatment.
Justice Robert Bogle ordered Magone held on $10,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. If released, she will be required to wear an electronic monitoring device. Orders of protection were also issued.
Court records show Magone pleaded not guilty at her arraignment on May 28. Judge Robert G. Bogle set bail at $10,000 cash, $50,000 insured bond, or a $100,000 partially secured surety bond and imposed non-monetary release conditions. She is scheduled to return to Nassau County Court on June 23.
Magone, a licensed clinical social worker with a practice in Long Beach, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.
She is scheduled to return to court on June 23.
