More than two years after the remains of a newborn were discovered under a bed, the baby girl's mother was sentenced Thursday to 8 to 20 years in prison on a third-degree murder charge. She pleaded "no contest."

Because 26-year-old Lauren Jones received credit for the 772 days she spent in prison awaiting trial, she could be freed on parole in as little as six years.

Jones, who did not cry in court, chose not to make a statement to Butler County Judge Timothy McCune.

Her parents, who watched the hearing quietly, afterward also declined comment.

After Thursday's hearing, defense attorney Joseph Kecskemethy explained that Jones' no contest plea, which counts as a conviction, implies she recognizes she does not have a defense to the charges.

However, the plea does not mean Jones acknowledges guilt.

By The Associated Press