SALEM, N.H. — A Massachusetts woman has pleaded guilty to letting her 7-year-old nephew wander around a New Hampshire mall for several hours while she went shopping.

Ana Matos of Lawrence, Mass., first told police back in July she was looking for her nephew; however, she was observed carrying three shopping bags containing over $500 in clothing at The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem.

The 45-year-old Matos pleaded guilty Monday to disorderly conduct; she originally was charged with endangering the welfare of a child. The Eagle Tribune reports she avoided jail time, but received a $500 fine, with $250 suspended for two years as part of a plea agreement.

Matos’ lawyer said she is sorry. He said she is a married, hard-working mother of three children who simply made a mistake.