Charge, Bond Reduced Against Mother Who Abandoned Baby

ZEBULON, N.C. — A woman accused of abandoning her baby at a McDonald's in Zebulon will face a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony charge.

Michelle Richardson was captured on surveillance video inside the restaurant. Police said she carried the newborn inside under her jacket, then left the infant boy in a bathroom stall. A customer later found the baby.

A Wake County judge determined the incident did not merit a felony charge because the abandoned baby was not harmed.

Richardson's bond was also lowered from $25,000 to $10,000. She was also ordered to stay away from children unless another adult is present and to undergo a mental evaluation. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 19.