ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The mother accused of abandoning her children in a Rochester apartment earlier this year appeared before a county court judge on Wednesday to face felony charges.

Sharisa Vazquez, 22, cried as she signed orders of protection telling her she could not have contact with her two daughters. Vazquez pleaded not guilty to the charges of abandonment, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. She's accused of leaving her two young children alone for hours if not days, in a filthy apartment in January. 

A neighbor discovered the 3-year-old naked, walking outside and in the common area of the building and called 911. When police arrived, they found her covered in food, dirt and feces. Her younger sister was suffering from severe dehydration.  

"She did make a plea of not guilty at this time and maintains her innocence. Under the advice of counsel, I have advised her not to make any statements to the media at this time. We're just look forward to challenging these allegations in the court of law," said Mike Pattison, her attorney. 

Vazquez is not in jail and is due back in court next week.