Taipei, Aug. 27 (CNA) A social worker was charged Tuesday with negligent homicide and forgery in connection with the death of a one-year-old infant in December 2023.

The suspect, identified only by her surname Chen (陳), was released on bail of NT$300,000 (US$9,413) and has denied the charges against her, prosecutors said.

Chen worked at the Child Welfare League Foundation, which assigned two sisters, both surnamed (劉), to care for the little boy in August 2023.

The two sisters were charged in April of this year with child abuse resulting in death, intentional deprivation of liberty resulting in death and intentional bodily harm resulting in death for abusing the boy between September 1 and December 23, 2023.

The toddler lost consciousness in the early hours of December 24, 2023 after sustaining serious injuries and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

According to the Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office, Chen fabricated accounts of her visits to the boy while he was under the care of the Liu sisters.

Prosecutors urged the courts to impose a harsh sentence on Chen.

Four relatives of the Liu sisters are currently being investigated on suspicion of perjury and destruction of evidence, the public prosecutor’s office said.