Mother who left newborn in nativity manger at NYC church won’t be prosecuted

NEW YORK – Authorities have decided not to prosecute a mother who left her newborn baby in a Christmas manger inside a New York City church.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown on Wednesday said the unidentified mother felt her newborn was in a warm place and would be found safe.

READ MORE: Police searching for person who left newborn baby in nativity manger at NYC church

A church custodian at Holy Child of Jesus Church in Richmond Hill, Queens, found the 5-pound baby Monday afternoon. He was wrapped in towels and had his umbilical cord still attached.

Brown said the mother had also returned the next morning to make sure the baby had been found.

State law says a newborn can be dropped off at a church, hospital, police or fire station. But it requires the child to be left with someone or for authorities to be called immediately.