Probation Likely for Teen Who Spiked Mom's Coffee With Antifreeze

In a testament of unconditional love, a Lindenhurst couple doesn't want their son to see jail time, despite the teen's admittance that he'd spiked his mom's coffee with anitfreeze.

Michael Tangney Junior pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated battery.

He was arrested after his mother, Joyce Tangney, became ill from ethylene glycol poisoning. The substance is used in antifreeze
and de-icing solutions.
      
Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said Joyce Tangney was hospitalized, but has since made a full recovery.
      
Police questioned her son, and he admitted putting antifreeze into the coffee maker last fall as a practical joke. He was originally charged with heinous battery, which is a felony requiring a prison sentence of six to 30 years upon conviction.

After a meeting with attorneys, the judge agreed to reduce the charge to an offense that would allow for probation.

"You obviously had some rebuilding to do at home in terms of trust issues," Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak told the teen, according to the Daily Herald. "But you have a lot going for you in that you have loving and supportive parents and you need to take advantage of that."