Authorities have charged a woman from Oklahoma with child neglect after her baby was discovered unattended in a stroller at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Christmas Eve. The incident has raised serious concerns about child safety and parental responsibility.
According to the arrest report filed by the Seminole Police Department, the infant was left alone at the casino’s Old Main Entrance, unsupervised for nearly 30 minutes, before police arrived. Officer Joseph Cimino, who responded to the scene, stated he saw the baby in a stroller, wearing a soiled diaper, and exposed to the open elements.
The bell desk employee at the casino conveyed to Officer Cimino that three unidentified men had abandoned the baby at the location and subsequently walked away. Investigations led the police to the infant’s mother, Rubi Verduzco, identified as a 29-year-old resident of Bethany, Oklahoma.
Upon questioning, Verduzco, who appeared to be under the influence, couldn’t clearly remember her child’s age. This alarming admission highlighted concerns over her capability to care for the child. Subsequently, she contacted the child’s father in Oklahoma, who reportedly instructed the authorities to arrest her and take state custody of the child.
Following this directive, police detained Verduzco, charging her with child abuse and neglect without bodily harm. Authorities confirmed that the child is now under the care of the Department of Children and Families, ensuring the infant’s safety and well-being are prioritized during this difficult time.
Currently, Verduzco is held at the North Broward Bureau with a bond set at $2,500. This case draws attention to parental responsibilities and the critical need for ensuring child safety, especially in public and potentially hazardous environments such as casinos.
This unsettling incident underscores the importance of alertness and accountability among parents and guardians. The actions taken by the authorities emphasize a strong stance against neglect, ensuring such cases are handled with the seriousness they deserve.
Source: Local10
