Cincinnati, Ohio – A mother in Clermont County has been sentenced to at least nine years in prison after her 4-year-old daughter died from severe malnutrition, her teeth decaying from a diet primarily consisting of Mountain Dew.

Tamara Banks, 41, was handed her sentence on Friday, May 24, following her guilty plea in March to involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors revealed that the child passed away in January 2022 due to neglect and abuse, with diabetes-related complications resulting from being fed Mountain Dew through a baby bottle.

Reports indicated that the young girl’s teeth had rotted out, leaving her nearly toothless. The situation escalated as Banks mixed baby formula with the soda and continued to feed her daughter through a bottle long past when she should have transitioned to solid foods. Prosecutors also noted the absence of any dental care for the child.

The tragic case has drawn condemnation from Clermont County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Clay Tharp, who described it as one of the most heart-wrenching cases he had ever come across. The girl’s father, Christopher Hoeb, is also facing charges related to her death, set for sentencing in June.

Authorities further disclosed that the child had undiagnosed and untreated diabetes, with her cause of death attributed to diabetic ketoacidosis – a grave complication stemming from diabetes. The community has been left reeling from the preventable loss, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Medical professionals stress the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment in such situations to avoid tragic outcomes.

The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office remains silent on the matter, as the community contemplates how the healthcare and child welfare systems could have potentially intervened to save the young girl’s life. As discussions surrounding child safety and welfare continue, the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing such cases has become increasingly urgent in safeguarding vulnerable children.

In a stark reminder of the responsibility society holds in protecting the most defenseless, the tragic fate of this young girl serves as a call to action for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the well-being of all children. The devastating consequences of neglect and abuse highlight the importance of early intervention and support for families in crisis, underscoring the vital role each individual plays in safeguarding the welfare of children.