The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 35-year-old Texas mother was recently arrested after she allegedly told her young daughter to walk approximately 19 miles to school alone in San Antonio, according to the authorities.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after a witness saw a girl, described as being under the age of 12, walking by herself near State Highway 211. Authorities stated that the area has steady traffic. The witness reportedly observed the child attempting to avoid stepping into the roadway while walking along the highway.
According to the authorities, the child explained that her mother had been drinking alcohol the night before and later went to sleep. The girl reportedly tried to wake her mother in the morning to ask for a ride to school. Law enforcement alleges that the mother briefly woke up, refused to drive her, and instructed her to walk to school instead. The mother allegedly then returned to sleep.
Authorities stated that the distance between the home and the school is more than 19 miles, and that the child did not have a cellphone with her at the time.
The witness reportedly drove the girl to a safer location, where school resource officers were notified. Later, deputies went to the residence to speak with the mother and her boyfriend. Law enforcement alleged that the mother said she was aware her daughter was walking to school.
Later that day, the child’s father reportedly went to the school and informed officials that he had primary custody, though the girl had been staying with her mother at the time.
The mother was reportedly charged with abandoning or endangering a child and was booked into the county jail. Court records show she was later released after posting bond.
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.