A Florida nurse accused of repeatedly silencing oxygen monitor alarms while caring for a medically fragile premature infant is set to stand trial after a judge declined to accept her negotiated plea agreement.
Sharlene Janet Pflugrad, 65, had planned to resolve the felony child neglect case by entering a no-contest plea. However, during a court hearing, a Lee County judge rejected the agreement after concluding that Pflugrad did not clearly acknowledge its terms.
Case
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Cape Coral Police Department, Pflugrad was working an overnight in-home nursing shift on Sept. 15, 2025.
The infant, who had been born at 24 weeks, required continuous oxygen monitoring while sleeping due to serious medical needs.
Investigators say the child’s physician-approved care plan required the nurse to administer supplemental oxygen, notify the parents, contact the nursing agency, and call 911 if oxygen saturation remained below 88%.
Allegations
Police allege Pflugrad sent the child’s mother a text message at approximately 11:24 p.m. showing oxygen saturation readings of 81% and 79%.
According to investigators, she did not wake the parents or follow the emergency procedures outlined in the child’s care plan.
The child’s mother reportedly did not see the text until about 6:13 a.m. the following morning. After discovering the message, the parents attempted to improve their son’s oxygen levels before calling 911 when his condition did not improve.
Evidence
Investigators reviewed home surveillance footage that they say captured Pflugrad repeatedly muting alarms from the child’s pulse oximeter throughout the night.
According to the affidavit, police examined 147 video clips showing the nurse silencing alerts, replacing sensors several times, telling the monitor to “shut up,” briefly performing chest cupping, and continuing to mute alarms without administering oxygen or seeking emergency medical assistance.
These allegations remain part of the prosecution’s case and have not yet been decided at trial.
Medical
The infant was transported to Golisano Children’s Hospital, where doctors diagnosed RSV bronchiolitis, respiratory acidosis, and prolonged oxygen deprivation.
According to investigators, a medical evaluation concluded there was evidence of medical neglect, stating that required nursing assessments had not been performed while the child experienced respiratory distress.
The child later recovered and was discharged from the hospital the following day.
Investigation
Pflugrad reportedly suggested the oxygen monitor may have malfunctioned.
Investigators sent the pulse oximeter to its manufacturer, Masimo, for testing. According to the affidavit, technicians found no defects and determined the equipment functioned properly.
Pflugrad declined to speak with detectives but provided a written statement to her employer, Aveanna Healthcare.
In that statement, she reportedly said she believed fluctuating sensor readings caused inaccurate oxygen measurements. She stated that she repositioned the child, replaced sensors several times, and texted the child’s mother because she did not believe the readings remained low long enough to require emergency intervention.
Employer
According to records cited by investigators, Aveanna Healthcare’s internal review reached different conclusions.
The company found that Pflugrad failed to administer oxygen, complete required patient assessments, or properly document the child’s care. Following the investigation, she was suspended without pay.
Court
Prosecutors offered Pflugrad a plea agreement that included 364 days in jail followed by 48 months of probation, according to WINK News.
The proposed agreement also required her to surrender her nursing license, avoid contact with the child and family, provide a DNA sample, and pay court costs.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Bruce Kyle questioned Pflugrad about the agreement. When asked whether she agreed to its terms, she reportedly responded, “Not really, but.”
The judge declined to accept the plea, stating that he could not approve it under those circumstances.
Although Pflugrad later attempted to clarify her answer and asked the judge to reconsider, the request was denied.
Prior Investigation
Court records also note that Pflugrad was previously investigated in 2024 in connection with another medically fragile child.
According to investigators, that case involved allegations that medical alerts were ignored, resulting in permanent brain damage. Prosecutors ultimately declined to file criminal charges in that earlier investigation.
Case Overview
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Sharlene Janet Pflugrad |
| Charge | Felony child neglect |
| Incident date | Sept. 15, 2025 |
| Child’s condition | Premature infant requiring oxygen monitoring |
| Plea agreement | Rejected by judge |
| Trial status | Scheduled to begin |
The criminal case will now proceed to trial, where prosecutors must present evidence supporting the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Pflugrad has not been convicted, and the allegations contained in the police affidavit remain subject to judicial review during the court proceedings.
FAQs
What charge does the nurse face?
She is charged with felony child neglect.
Why was the plea deal rejected?
The judge found she did not clearly accept its terms.
Did the child recover?
Yes, the child was later discharged from the hospital.
Was the oxygen monitor defective?
Investigators said testing found no defects.
Has the nurse been convicted?
No, the case is proceeding to trial.
