Salem mom charged after underweight infant hospitalized

A Salem woman is facing a child endangering charge after authorities allege her infant child suffered from neglect and failure to thrive under her care.

Ashlee N. Boley, 22, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count of endangering children, a first-degree misdemeanor, according to Columbiana County Municipal Court records. The charge stems from an investigation that began in October 2024.

According to an affidavit filed by Salem Police, Columbiana County Children Services contacted police on Oct. 21, 2024, regarding an investigation into alleged child endangering and neglect involving Boley's infant daughter, who was four months old at the time.

The affidavit states that during the investigation, numerous checkups and appointments for the victim at Akron Children's Hospital were canceled by Boley. Medical staff also noted concerns about the infant not being properly fed, losing weight, and failing to thrive. Medical documentation reportedly showed a lack of cooperation from Boley with medical personnel.

On Sept. 20, the infant was admitted to Akron Children's Hospital due to low weight. After several days of being fed under medical supervision, the infant gained weight, as documented by doctors. Following this admission, the child was placed on a safety plan and put with a family member of Boley's.

An evaluation in November by the Children's Advocacy Center at Akron Children's Hospital in Boardman, with documentation from a nurse practitioner, confirmed the victim's ability to gain weight. The nurse practitioner's evaluation "confirmed nutritional neglect to a reasonable degree of medical certainty," the affidavit states.

Boley is accused of creating a substantial risk to the victim's health or safety by violating her duty of care, protection, or support.

Boley is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 4 in Columbiana County Municipal Court.