The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida woman is incarcerated for allegedly kidnapping a toddler from a family’s fenced backyard without parental permission.
On the afternoon of November 25, a 39-year-old woman from Hallandale Beach was strolling down a local street when she walked past a residence with a fenced-in backyard. A 3-year-old was playing alone in the private yard, and they caught her attention. Though she reportedly did not know the family, she allegedly lifted the youngster over the enclosure.
According to reports, some of the neighbors saw the woman as she was walking away from the residence with the toddler in her arms, and one of them was able to take a picture. The child’s mother was quickly alerted by the bystanders. When she went outside, she reportedly saw the woman still holding her youngster and he quickly ran to her as soon as he was put down. She immediately notified the authorities about the incident.
Officers from the Hallandale Police Department responded, and the suspect was found nearby. They asked her about the situation, and she allegedly told them she believed the child needed help.
The woman was taken into custody and booked into the Broward County Jail. She was initially facing charges for confinement of a child under thirteen years of age without the consent of a parent. At her bond hearing, the charge was changed to kidnapping and she was denied bail. It was reported that the woman did not follow the advice of her attorney and decided to make a statement after they told her she should not say anything in the courtroom. According to facility records, she is currently incarcerated at the Paul Rein Detention Facility.
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.