Dedra McManus was released from the Union County Detention Center on a $3,000 secured bond on Friday, Sept. 4. McManus, 50, of Lancaster Highway in Monroe, faces a misdemeanor child abuse charge for allegedly leaving her 8-month-old granddaughter in a hot car.
McManus had been held without bond after her arrest on Thursday, Sept. 3, as we reported on the arrest. Queen City News confirmed McManus was initially issued no bond and held at the detention center.
The Union County Sheriff's Office (UCSO) said McManus drove to Union County Animal Services with friends to look at kittens for adoption. She allegedly parked between two fully marked sheriff's office vehicles, turned off the engine and went inside the building, leaving the infant alone in the car.
Deputies said when McManus spotted three deputies walking toward the adoption area, she ran back to her vehicle. She returned inside the building carrying the baby.
After reviewing surveillance footage, deputies determined the 8-month-old had been left alone in the car for approximately 10 minutes on a 96-degree day, according to WBTV.
EMS treated the infant at the scene. The baby appeared to be OK, the sheriff's office said. Union County Social Services then took custody of the baby girl.
The UCSO said in a Facebook post that McManus asked about receiving free kittens after her arrest because she had missed a Clear the Shelter event held in August. The office said it denied the request and transported her to the detention center.
No next court date has been announced. The Enquirer Journal reported McManus lives on Lancaster Highway in Monroe.
Residents who suspect child abuse or neglect can call the Union County Department of Social Services at 704-296-4300.
