A New Jersey woman has been indicted on charges she forced her 7-year-old daughter to have unnecessary and potentially harmful surgeries and medical tests.
A Sussex County grand jury returned the indictment Tuesday against Malinda Lugin on a child endangerment charge.
Prosecutors say the 36-year-old Vernon woman persuaded doctors to perform invasive medical care on her daughter, including the installation of a feeding tube.
Assistant Prosecutor Seana Pappas says authorities later determined the child was healthy except for a minor allergy to strawberries.
Prosecutors allege that Lugin abused her daughter from her birth in November 2007 through April 2014.
Lugin remains free on $20,000 bail. A message left for her attorney Wednesday wasn't returned.
