Mother of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez appears in court for arraignment

NEW ORLEANS —

Vasquez broke down in tears as Officer Bravo, the lead investigator during the search, entered the courtroom. Through a translator Vasquez told the court she plans to hire an attorney, but for now, the judge appointed a public defender.

Prosecutors requested a hearing to determine if Vasquez should be held without bail and also sought three protective orders for her other children.

As part of the court’s conditions, Vasquez is barred from contacting her children while the case is pending. If released on bail, she must stay at least 600 feet away from them. She is also prohibited from possessing a firearm and will be required to participate in a domestic violence abuse program and a monitoring program.

The judge warned that violating any protective order would result in im