The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A mother from Texas is facing serious charges after she reportedly locked her 12-year-old daughter out of their apartment, forcing her to spend the night outside sleeping on a bench, and then allegedly told the authorities that the girl ran away.
On August 31, the mother and daughter reportedly had a disagreement. According to reports, the argument started when the daughter wanted to invite a friend over to the residence to hang out. Things escalated, and her mother allegedly kicked her out of the apartment. The girl tried several times to get back in but was repeatedly denied entry, and she spent the night sleeping outdoors on a bench in the apartment complex.
The next morning, around 7 a.m., the girl walked over to a nearby Houston Police Department location to report what had happened the prior evening. After hearing her story, they began investigating the case.
Officers visited the apartment complex to speak with the girl’s mother. Initially, she claimed that her daughter had run away, but authorities did not believe that was the case. They determined the story the girl told them was true. The police took care of the young girl until Child Protective Services stepped in and found somewhere safe for her to stay. She is currently being cared for by a relative.
Her mother was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail on suspicion of endangering a child. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
According to records, the woman works as a part-time teacher in the Houston Independent School District and has been employed with them for approximately one year. Due to the incident, they are in the process of terminating her contract.
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.