Mom Can't Find Sitter, Allegedly Locks Son In Trunk

SAN DIEGO -- A woman pleaded not guilty to child abuse and false imprisonment charges for allegedly locking her 7-year-old son in the trunk of her car as she celebrated her birthday at a bar, 10News reported.

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Police: Mom Parties While Boy Locked In Trunk

Sara Powell, 27, of Santee appeared at the downtown San Diego courthouse and was ordered to be held on $150,000 bail.

San Diego police received an anonymous 911 call just after midnight on Monday reporting that the boy was locked in the trunk of Powell's 1985 Volvo, which was parked outside Winston's Beach Club in Ocean Beach, authorities said.

Powell, whose birthday was on Sunday, told investigators that she could not find a babysitter to stay with the boy, police said.

The boy was in good condition when police arrived. A sleeping bag and pillow were left in the trunk so the boy could sleep while his mother was in the bar, police said.

"Everybody just gasped, it was unbelievable. And that little boy just came out like a ghost," witness Eric McDougall said.

The boy told officers that Powell locked him in the trunk several times before, up to five hours at a time, police said.

Police said that they are also trying to track down and question Powell's live-in boyfriend, Jake Wayne Faria.

If convicted on all counts, Powell faces a maximum of eight years in prison.

Her son is expected to testify at her preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept 7.