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Prosecutor: Missing Boy's Mom Did Not Help Son

FITCHBURG, Mass. - A prosecutor has told a judge that the mother of a missing 5-year-old boy from Fitchburg did nothing to protect her son from abuse.

Elsa Oliver has pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment of a child. Her boyfriend, Alberto Sierra, faces assault and battery among other charges.

Jeremiah Oliver hasn't been seen since September and is feared dead.

Prosecutor Cheryl Riddle told Judge Martha Guzman during a sidebar meeting in court on Tuesday that state records showed a consistent and repeat pattern of neglect and abuse of Jeremiah and his siblings. Guzman later released a transcript of the sidebar.

Elsa Oliver's attorney says he has not been able to get useful information from his client.

A state social worker and a supervisor were fired over their handling of the case.

This program aired on December 25, 2013. The audio for this program is not available.

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