A 56-year-old woman in Florida is under investigation after she allegedly posed as a government worker to take a 9-year-old boy from his babysitter.
The authorities stated the incident reportedly happened in Polk County. Deputies responded to a call for assistance around 3:22 p.m. at a home where a babysitter was watching four children, including the 9-year-old. The caller, allegedly identifying herself as a child welfare employee, reportedly told the dispatcher she needed help removing the children.
When deputies arrived, the babysitter said the woman and another person had come to the home claiming she was a case manager and needed to take the 9-year-old to his mother. The babysitter refused and said the woman threatened to take all four children. The woman reportedly made phone calls claiming she was arranging new homes for the children. She allegedly did not show identification or any proof of employment when asked.
Investigators said the boy’s mother has mental disabilities and did not have legal custody. She reportedly met the woman through her church and believed the woman could help regain custody of her son.
When deputies confronted the suspect, she allegedly admitted to pretending to be a government employee.
The woman was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail. She is facing preliminary charges of four counts of attempted kidnapping, unarmed burglary of an occupied dwelling, two counts of criminal action under the color of law, misdemeanor trespassing, and misuse of 911. According to facility records, at the time this was written, she was being held without bond at the Central County Jail.
The situation is still being reviewed as part of an ongoing investigation.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.