Niagara Falls woman sentenced to 6 months for running over 11-year-old

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls woman was sentenced to six months in jail and five years of probation after running over an 11-year-old with her vehicle last summer, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office announced.

According to officials, Juajhane Cox, 25, was under the influence of marijuana on July 19 when she struck a young girl riding a bike on Ferry Avenue. Nevaeh Quarantillo, 11, was critically injured as a result.

"The law only allowed a maximum of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison in this case despite the fact that the 11-year-old victim will spend the rest of her life under constant care for the brain injuries and other horrific injuries she suffered," said Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman. "We asked the court to give the maximum sentence ... Unfortunately, the judge decided to impose a minimal sentence. The family of the victim left court today feeling that justice was not served."

Cox pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular assault in September.