A Tulare couple who belong to a church that shuns medical treatment will have to follow strict probation conditions to avoid going to prison.
Wesley and LaRonda Hamm were sentenced Wednesday to a suspended sentence of four years, but their probation states they must seek medical treatment for and report any illnesses their three daughters show. The couple was also ordered to complete a one-year child abuse treatment program.
"We wanted to protect the children's future," Tulare County Supervising District Attorney Bill Yoshimoto said. "That's the heart of the case."
Yoshimoto said he was satisfied with the Hamms' probation terms.
"We're very satisfied with the outcome," he said. "We believe we were protecting the future of the children by forcing them to obtain medical help."
The Hamms, who attend the Church of the FirstBorn that preaches prayer over man-made medicine, entered a no-contest plea last month to charges of child endangerment leading to death, in the death of their 10-year-old daughter in March 2003.
The Hamms and their attorneys left the courtroom without making comments about the sentencing.
The sentencing hearing was interrupted when Wesley Hamm told his attorney, David Allen, the defendant had a problem with the probation condition that re-quires the couple to report any of their daughters' illnesses.
Through Allen, Wesley Hamm said his definition of an illness might be different from Tulare County Superior Court Judge Elisabeth Krant, who was proceeding over the hearing, and that a misunderstanding might lead to a probation violation.
The defendants and their attorneys stepped out of the courtroom to discuss the issue.
Once the hearing continued, Krant told Wesley Hamm if he suspects there is something wrong with the child, report it to authorities.
"That's the protection for other children," Krant said.
The Hamms' three daughters, ages 4, 7 and 13, are in custody of Juvenile Court, and their parents have visitation rights, Yoshimoto said.
About a dozen church members attended the hearing, showing support for the Hamms.
Krant praised their attendance and asked for their future involvement assisting the Hamms to carry out their probation terms.
"I hope their support will continue in the outcome of this matter," she said.