Woman who police say planned to steal newborn pleads not guilty

A woman who deputies said posed as a baby photographer and drugged a mother in an attempt to kidnap a newborn pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Pierce County Superior Court.

Juliette Parker, who was making her first appearance in the case, previously posted bail and was released Sunday afternoon. She and her 16-year-old daughter were arrested Friday in the 4100 block 220th St. E. near Spanaway.

Detectives say on Feb. 5 Parker drugged a woman who agreed to have pictures taken using a cupcake laced with a powerful sedative, but the woman felt the effects of the drug and told Parker to leave. She then called 911 to report what happened.

Investigators said the teenager daughter was a willing accomplice.

“Her daughter, a 16-year-old, is a suspect in the case and we believe she had full knowledge of what was going on,” said Pierce County Sheriff’s detective Ed Troyer.

In Parker’s Tuesday court appearance, the prosecutor argued for a $250,000 bail. The judge agreed on a higher bail, but set it at $150,000. Parker’s attorney wanted her released. Parker appeared to take cell phone photos minutes before her court hearing, including one of the KIRO 7 reporter who was there to cover the proceeding.

>>Woman who police say planned to steal newborn described as manipulative

Investigators said the suspect came to the victim’s residence three times to photograph the woman’s newborn.

“If you have been contacted by a woman named ‘Juliette Parker,’ ‘Juliette Noel’ or ‘Juliette Gains’ who posed as a photographer and believe you are a victim, please give our detectives a call as soon as possible at 253-798-7724,” Troyer said in a statement.

Elysia Miller, the mom who said Parker drugged her and planned to take her baby girl, talked with reporters after the court hearing.

“I’m terrified she could come back,” Miller said.

Miller said she now carries a knife, machete and pepper spray to protect herself of Parker comes back.

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