A Wauconda woman pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges she left her children alone in her apartment for three days.

Lisa Williams, 40, faces up to three years in prison if convicted of child abandonment.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Tim Niehus said Williams left her home at 389 W. Liberty St., Apt. 402, at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 11. Williams' 9-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter were alone in the apartment until about 2:40 p.m. on July 14, when their grandmother went to the apartment.

The grandmother became concerned because she had called the apartment repeatedly and did not get an answer, Niehus said. Police found Williams had told her son not to answer the phone.

Niehus said police believe Williams "went off on some drug and alcohol binge."

The state Department of Children and Family Services has taken custody of the children, Niehus said.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a trial of the case for Oct. 3, and ordered Williams to appear in court Sept. 9.