BUTLER TWP — Township police have charged a Zelienople woman with endangering the welfare of children, after a nine-month investigation into allegations that she failed to get medical treatment for two children after they suffered burns in late 2015.

Beth Ann Krason, 34, of 712 Hemlock Square, faces two felony counts of endangering the welfare of children for neglect which police say occurred in November and December last year, when a 1-year-old boy and a 2-year-old girl in Krason’s care each suffered what police said were “significant” second-degree burns but did not receive medical treatment for days.

In court documents police said they determined the boy suffered a burn to his right wrist on Dec. 6, but didn’t receive medical treatment until two days later. Police said the girl suffered a “hot liquid burn” to her neck and right shoulder on Nov. 26, but wasn’t treated until Dec. 4.

Police said that once Children and Youth Services became involved in the case the two children were seen at BHS FasterCare, Butler Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Children’s Hospital, and were subsequently reported to be “victims of significant neglect over time.”

The hospitals also reported that the boy had suffered an unexplained chin burn and the girl a left shin burn, but the investigation did not determine when or how those burns occurred. Police said the boy was also diagnosed with unexplained bilateral subdural hemorrhages. This is when blood gathers in the skull and puts pressure on the brain, and is often associated with traumatic brain injuries.

After their examination of the children, Children’s Hospital filed a report stating that “both children were the victims of significant neglect,” and “a return to their previous environment could result in re-injury and/or death,” according to court documents filed by police.

Police Chief John Hays said the department’s investigation hasn’t yet determined what caused the children’s burns, and that they had been placed in homes with other family members following the hospital issuing its report on their condition.

According to court documents Krason is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 13 before District Judge Kevin O’Donnell.