Carson City woman enters no contest plea in death of toddler

Brittany Paugh pleaded no contest on Tuesday to one count of child abuse causing substantial bodily harm in the death of an 18-month-old toddler.

She could receive anything from 24 months to 20 years in state prison when sentenced in December.

The child, Justin Watson, was hospitalized in Nov., 2012 after he was found unconscious at the home of his father. Paugh, the girlfriend of the boy’s father Nic, was there when the boy was discovered. Watson was not.

The victim was transported to a Reno hospital but died several days later.

Paugh’s arrest followed a lengthy investigation that included several experts.

She was originally charged with second degree murder.