Sentencing for aunt delayed in case of two girls found living in shed behind Detroit home

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The sentencing for an aunt of two little girls found living in a shed in Detroit has been delayed.

Kathy Mitgard was expected to be sentenced Monday.

Police say Mitgard was found living with her 4 and 5-year-old nieces and the girls' mom in the shed in February 2011.

The shed was only big enough for a mattress and space heater. Prosecutors believe the family used a bucket as a toilet. Police also found drug paraphernalia in the shed.

Mitgard pleaded no contest to one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a 93-day misdemeanor.

The girls eventually went to live with their grandmother .

The eight foot by eight foot shed sat behind a rental property. The owner of the home had no idea anyone was living inside. When the girls were first discovered , he arrived to find a dog and cat in the shed. A second cat was seen outside.

Once the animals were removed, he found a large mattress, blankets, a television and space heater all inside the shed. An extension cord was strung from an outlet on the outside of the house to provide electricity. Needles and other drug paraphernalia were also visible.