The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida woman was reportedly arrested after the authorities said her 5-year-old autistic son was found wandering alone and unclothed near a residential roadway while she was away at work for several hours.
According to investigators, neighbors contacted the authorities after spotting the child outside without supervision in a North Fort Myers neighborhood. Residents reportedly became concerned when they saw the boy near the road by himself.
When deputies and emergency crews arrived to conduct a welfare check, they allegedly discovered the child had been left alone inside the residence. Investigators also reported that the home had very little furniture, limited food, and no running water at the time of the investigation.
One neighbor reportedly told local media outlets that the child appeared dehydrated and was trying to eat pieces of Styrofoam inside a garage. The resident said the boy was given apple juice while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.
During the investigation, detectives located the child’s 28-year-old mother at an assisted living facility where she had reportedly been working a full shift. Authorities said the woman later admitted she had left the child home alone for about eight hours while she went to work.
Investigators said the woman claimed she had been checking on the boy remotely through a doorbell camera placed inside the home.
After being medically evaluated by emergency responders, the boy was released into the care of a relative.
The woman was booked into the county jail following her arrest. She is facing a preliminary charge of one count of child neglect. Authorities said her bond had not been set as of the following morning, and her court date was not known at the time this was written.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.