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A Layton mother who lied to police investigating the death of her 2-year-old son will spend at least four years behind bars for obstruction of justice.
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has decided Jasmine Bridgeman, who is serving a 1-to-15-year prison sentence, will have her first parole hearing in May 2020.
The mother pleaded guilty to the second-degree felony in March and was sentenced in April to the maximum penalty for the crime. Second District Judge John Morris, who imposed the term, told Bridgeman her actions were abhorrent.
"Essentially, what I must conclude is that you chose your boyfriend over your child's welfare," Morris said.
Bridgeman, 24, admitted she gave false information to investigators in May 2015 about the death of her son, James "J.J." Sieger Jr.
Prosecutors allege her boyfriend, Joshua Schoenenberger, fatally beat the child over potty training issues.
Schoenenberger is awaiting trial on charges of first-degree felony aggravated murder and second-degree felony child abuse. Police allege the 35-year-old man initially gave a number of explanations of how the toddler suffered fatal blows to his stomach and bruising all over his body before admitting he had inflicted the injuries.
Prosecutors said last month they will not seek the death penalty.
Twitter: @PamelaMansonSLC