Florida, the sunshine state known for its warm climate and scenic beauty, has also been the backdrop for some troubling family situations from 2021. >> Yeah, they told me that today that this ain't the first time. >> And I was standing up for my sister and she kepting me. >> Wait, what? No, no, no, no, no, no. My dad paid >> to 2024. >> Where's dad though? >> He just dropped me off. >> Listen, he being around the bush. So basically, dad children alone. You already lied to me earlier. So you tell me you didn't leave the kids up there alone? >> Yeah, I did. >> So you did? >> Yeah. Many families face challenges in providing proper care for their children. Reminding us that sometimes a home may not feel as safe as it ideally should. Florida begins with a story of a family where what should have been this safest place turned into the most stressful environment for the children. >> My mom decided to her until she like couldn't so then she would give it up. On July 18th, 2021, Florida police were called to a home after receiving a report of a family dispute. At the scene, authorities took a statement from the mother. [Applause] >> How you doing? >> All right, sir. How you doing? >> Good. Just give me a few minutes. Okay. How you doing? [Applause] >> Uh, yes. Yes. Can my kids can can Can my kids go in the truck if they're leaving? >> I don't need them to be involved in anything extra. >> How about you step back here with me and talk with me? >> I'm going to go this way. They can stand under the porch out of this door. Yes, sir. >> Thank you. My kids go my kids go in the truck. Is that okay? Let's talk over here. >> They're 12 years old. >> We'll deal with that in a second. Let's talk over here. Let's go over there. >> I called you. >> Okay. So, what's going on? >> Today is my daughter's birthday. >> Okay. >> She's turning 13. >> Mhm. I don't know why this is a problem, but like apparently when you turn 13, you're entitled. I don't I don't know. My dad is in my house. Okay. I don't have a car because I I got in a wreck with a semi on June 1st. I can show you the paperwork for this. >> No, that's fine. >> However, my dad is here to pick the my daughters up. >> Okay. >> Unannounced for their birthday, which is okay. For their birthday, right? >> Yeah. >> I'm the mom. I have full custody. My husband is on the phone right now. I'll put it on my speaker. My husband's on the phone. >> Okay. >> He lives in Charlotte. I have full custody. I have raised these girls by myself for the last 4 years. >> Okay. So, what's the issue with him coming to get them? >> He's controlling. >> So, you don't want him to come get now? >> This is his house, though. >> So, I don't know what to do. >> He said he's going to take them out for their birthday? For her birthday? >> No. He is or he isn't. >> No. No. He's not taking them out for their birthday. He wants to get this resolved so he can go to the bar. >> The initial conversation focused on issues related to the family's property and the children's grandfather. >> What do you want me to do? >> I don't know what to do right now. >> Well, what can I help you with? >> Make him leave, please. And how long do I have for me to move out? >> Whenever you want. >> Nope. I'm not a squatter. This is my dad. Okay. >> If you want to move out, we can move out. That's that's up to you. >> I can move out anytime. But how long legally do I have? >> Whenever if he evicts you, then he evicts you. Then >> he's going to do it tomorrow or on Monday. >> That's a whole process that can take weeks, >> months. I know. >> Okay. >> I know. But this is his house. I rent from him. I do. I do. >> Okay. >> So, this is his house. But he can't legally come inside my home. >> Okay. >> Even though I rent, right? You have to have a notice. >> There are certain laws. Yeah. Landlord tenant. Yeah. >> So, what is what is my law for him coming into my home? >> He has to give notice. How much notice? >> I'm not too sure. I had to review the statute, but he does have to give notice. >> I know. I'm not trying to ask for this, but he wants to take my kids, too. I'm a good mom, and I know Florida is a mother's state. >> Okay. You don't want him to take him out somewhere? >> No. No. >> But you're clearly inebriated. You're in under the influence of alcohol. >> I'm not. >> Yes, you are. I can smell it. We We're not going to argue. >> We have Okay, >> we're not. >> Listen, >> I'm the mother. >> What's wrong with him just taking him out for a little bit? >> He doesn't do this. He didn't do this when I was a kid either. >> Well, this is them. This isn't you. Maybe he just wants to >> So, the grandfather wants it to be better for the grandchild. >> It's It's possible. Do you have an issue with him taking them out? >> Yeah, because he hasn't been here to be a grandfather in like 8 months. Yeah. I don't trust him with my kids. >> So, it's a yes or no. >> I don't trust him. >> Okay. Well, hang out right here. I'll go talk with them. Okay. >> Okay. Outside, the children shared their observations about challenges they noticed from their mother, which sometimes differed from the mother's own account of events. >> What's going on? Were you coming over here for them to take them somewhere or >> Well, what time do y'all call them this morning? About noon. >> Okay. >> They called me about noon. >> About 1:30. >> Yeah. I mean, they can speak for theirel. They're very intelligent. >> Okay. So, what happened? >> I mean, I'd rather them tell you, but I I know exactly what happened. >> You want to give us a few seconds? I gave you the opportunity to talk to you. >> I'm here in my own vicinity. Well, y'all want to walk out there and talk with me there? >> They're father. >> Tell me what happened. Just talk a little lower. That way she won't hear you. Cuz >> this afternoon, our mom was drunk and he was and she wasn't really paying attention and that's been for a couple of days. We decided to go to our grandpa's for like a couple hours and then we came back and our mom got mad at us and she said that she was taking us out and she ripped Jada's LED lights. She Jada and this morning she was also me and she me this afternoon too and then she locked the door. We were over there. >> She wasn't letting us grab any of our things. >> They were at my house for about 3 hours. >> They packed her backpacks and they walked halfway to my house. I live on 110 and they called me cuz she's got asthma and as >> this happened today there this morning. >> She you >> let me see your >> When did she do this? um 10 15 minutes ago. >> Well, I don't know because because they stayed at my house, like I said, for three or four hours and then they said, "Well, we got Amazon stuff coming to pop up that we ordered and we're afraid that mom's going to get it. We ain't going to find it tomorrow and this and that. Will you take us back home?" And she said, "I got a doctor's appointment Wednesday for my iron to be checked. Can you take me to the doctor's Wednesday?" I said, "If you guys really want to go back home, that's fine. I'll take you back home, but if you need any help, you call me." So, I brought them back 30 minutes ago, maybe 45, and within 20 minutes, they called me. >> Okay. Well, I'll speak with you first over here. One of the children recounted a tense conflict with their mother over the use of a phone. >> So, what happened when you got back over here? You got dropped off by your grandfather. Is that what happened? >> Yeah, he dropped us off and then I went into my mom's room and I told her that we basically like went to her dad's house or my grandpa's house for like a couple hours and she got mad and she screamed at me and she said that if I wanted to leave the house I could leave and that she's kicking me out. And I said, "Okay." And then she wouldn't let me grab any of my belongings. And then when I tried to walk out with my phone, she tried to grab my phone. when I told her she doesn't have the right to grab my phone because she was drunk when she made that decision and she me until I gave it to her. >> Where were you at when she >> up there? >> On the patio. How did she >> She went like this and she wouldn't let go until I gave her my phone. >> Were you able to breathe during that time? >> No. Did you pass out? You said you did or didn't pass. >> Um I almost I fell on the floor. I I was still conscious but I fell on the floor. >> Okay. You were Let me see your neck again. All right. Give me move your hair on this side. All right. Give me uh one second. Let me grab a paper. Okay. Uh spell your first name for me. >> And you live here with mom. >> And what's a good You said you have a cell phone. What's a good phone number for you? >> The other daughter confirmed the entire story, matching her sister's account. >> What happened when you grandpa dropped you off? What happened after that? >> After grandpa dropped us off. Well, we walked up to our house and our mom was still drunk or whatever and she still is, but she was sleeping and we woke her up and we told her what happened and that we were over there for about 3 hours and then she got all mad at us. She was like, "You're throwing me under the bus, blah blah blah blah." She said something about she was going to dog. And then she got all mad and she ripped all of my sister's LED lights off the wall. And then she took my sister's phone and while she was taking my sister's phone, they were on the porch and my sister wouldn't give it up. So my mom decided to her until she like couldn't. So then she would give it up and I was standing up for my sister and she kept me. >> Okay. Where' she when she you up? >> Um when where >> on my nose and my face. >> Okay. Turn. Did she on that side of your face? On this side? >> Um it was probably like on both. I don't really know. What's your first name? >> And then grandpa, can I get your uh first name? All right, let me go speak with mom again. >> After gathering more information from the grandfather and the two children, the police returned inside to continue questioning the mother. Faced with the accusations, she remained calm and repeatedly denied them. >> You want to speak with him back on the porch? >> No, he's on my husband. My legal husband. So, my husband has rights before my dad. >> So, >> no, I don't need to go on the porch. I'm waiting for him to get off the phone with my husband. We're still married. >> We haven't married for 15 years. So >> So what happened when your daughters got back home? Cuz they left. They were at the grandfather and they came back. What happened? >> I don't know why the they went to him at all because they don't The only reason they went is because they wanted a money for their birthday. >> When they came back, what happened? >> Nothing. They told me what happened. They told me, "Hey, I walked all the way there. Papa did this." It's not the right reason for a kid to go and see a grandparent. This is actually the only reason they see him. >> Did you get into an argument with them when you came back? When they got back here? >> No. Not an argument, a com like a conversation. Yes. >> What happened during that conversation? What was it about? >> Nothing. I sat on my bed. They sat in the chair. There were calendars in my room. I asked them why they had to go to Papa just to get money. It's not right. I'm not that kind of person. I'm not. I don't want my kids to think that they need to go to see my dad. My dad just for money. That's wrong. Was there some sort of physical altercation that took place? >> Nothing physical. Just you talking to your kids. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Let me uh grab some information from you, >> sir. My husband, he's on his way. >> Well, he's in another state. You're aware of this, right? So, we >> I do know he lives in the Carolinas. Yes. >> It takes 8 hours to get here. >> Get down here. >> I would rather my husband take my kids as opposed to my dad. My dad's going to come. >> What's your first name? What's your middle initial? >> What? What' she say? What she said? >> Hold on. She They're talking about something else. >> Uh, what? >> What's a good phone number for you? What's a good phone number? >> Said my dad has a >> No, >> I don't know what it is. What's What's a good phone number for you? >> J up. This is what he's doing. >> And then you you live here at this address. >> There's a Miranda law and he had a warrant, but he doesn't anymore. I took that felony for him. >> Just hang out right here. >> That was over 6 years ago. >> Give me a few minutes. With conflicting statements, the police had to examine and document the injuries, cross-checking the information to make the safest and most accurate decision. >> Why you want my kids? Why do you want my kids? >> Hey, just hold on. >> No. Why do you want my kids? >> I'll talk to you down there. She They say she's been drunk for a few days now. Uh came home from They walked to Grandad's house, came home. Upon coming home, they went and talked with mom. Mom got pissed off, ripped some lights off of one of the kids' rooms. Then the kids tried to leave. Mom ended up saying she was going to take one of the kids' phone. At that point, the kid said, "No, I'm not giving you my phone." So, she reached around her neck, grabbed her with her elbow, and pretty much her. She said she's gonna happen. >> The other sister said she tried to help her sister and she was by mom. One sister has she does have a bruise right here on her cheek. The one that said she got I mean, I'd like a second opinion, but it looks like it could be something, but then I'm not too sure. advising the vehicle going over 100 milesPH. >> Yeah. I mean, you said you see a bruise on her. >> Could y'all step over here for me? Both of you, if you could um just move your hair for me. You see right there on that side >> and then you turn that way Chevy. >> Which one? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. What's What's that there? It's right there. >> That's been there for a little while, but this morning she wasing me all around my face and she said if I didn't hit her, then she would hit me more. And then I was standing up for my sister this afternoon and she hit me more on my nose. >> Okay. Give us a few seconds. Okay. >> The father was mentioned as a possible safeguard for the children. >> I would definitely say for the one in the blue >> the other one >> as far as the card. >> Give us one minute of it. >> You can't because she's even sheer sister. She's I mean >> my kids don't even like your food. >> I definitely think you got one. I don't >> open one. Don't know about the cuz that could be a form of disappoint. It's not really too extreme. It's just the choking. >> No, no, choking one is extreme. >> Okay. >> By the way, dad, who should claim his dad and who also confirmed he was dad said absolutely has no problem with grandpa taking the kid. >> Oh, that's even better. You get any 43. >> I can get it. I got his phone number. I'll get >> I think we're good to go. What did she What did he say about dad? She said, "Dad has a felony, but she didn't specify well how like I mean he's so >> the grandfather who had earlier taken the children out of the house also confirmed that the situation had persisted for many years, not just as an isolated incident on the birthday. If >> I just get pictures of both of you, if you could turn that way, I'll take a picture of >> and then I can get you to come over here. >> Look up until that way." >> Okay. Is there any way that you could get my phone back? She has it. >> I can't. If it's your mom, I can't get the phone back. As everything that leads up to her taking your phone from you, there's nothing we can do cuz you guys are juveniles obviously. But going to the extreme of choking you, that's a different story. So, I'll talk about grandpa real fast. >> I was going to say I've been for about 6 years. >> She always um inebriated >> pretty much. And they moved from they lived well they lived at my house for a year and a half. No rent, nothing. >> All three of them. Yeah. And I lived here with my girlfriend. This is her house. Okay. Then they up and moved back to North Carolina and they moved in with the Mark's parents and after about 3 months they threw them out and they were living in a hotel and I gave them the money to come back down here and then they moved in here and she's got a felony on her record too because that guy there he got caught I don't know five six years ago down in Lady Lake County. >> She went to court and did her side of it because they arrested both of them >> and then they came back. She came back here, but then she moved to Tahoe with some guy. She got pregnant out there. She came back here. She's done had two of them. Now she just yelled out, "Well, I don't care about you girls anyways cuz I got twins. I'm caring cuz I'm pregnant." So, she probably is pregnant again. I got her a job at Paul Davis Restoration cuz I own Slim Construction. I'm a construction guy right now. I got a job at Paul Daven Restoration. Lasted about 3 months. She liked to party, go out, run around, whatever. She lost that job. I got her a job with Suncool down in Lady Down in Lady Lake. >> It lasted about a month. She had a job before that with the Bank of America as a bank manager. And I've been telling her and telling her, Rosie, you got to change your life. These girls ain't living the right kind of life. She doesn't like it because I'm right. Yeah. You know, I didn't come to them. They came to me today. Yeah. For her to say, well, I just want to, you know, last time when when she went to Carolina's, they put her in a psychward. Her own that guy called the cops on her. >> 5983. >> I had to go up there and get her out of there to bring her back here to reestablish her here. And that's when she moved into my house and everything was good for about a year, year and a half. And then she started all this stuff again. >> Yeah. Unfortunate part is she may be looking. >> That's where we're at with it. >> Well, when when when they called me to come back and get them this time. She was on the phone with me and she's telling me that the Jada Jada's uh her exact words was a bisexual. You come get these kids. I don't want these kids. This that and the other. But now she's saying the other way about it. He has no living quarters for them. >> And like I said, I know he's got a warrant for them in Lady Lake. >> Okay. Lake Lake County. >> Okay. So, we're uh give me a second. >> Got up at Bumpers. I don't know. >> Sheriff's department. She called me cussing me out. Why'd you put me out? I let her stay tonight. I let her wait until she went in front of the judge to try and teach her a lesson. >> She ODed about 6 months ago. >> What did she take? >> It was fentanyl. >> Fentanyl. Okay. Give me a few seconds. >> Yeah. And I met the officer here to take my granddaughters at that point. They told me I had to come. >> I had them I don't know week or two. >> Okay. Have you ever um have they ever disced to you any other time that they've ever battered by her? Have I >> have they ever disclosed to you? >> Yeah, they told me that today. That this ain't the first time. >> Okay. Mhm. >> All right. Just give me a second. >> The police returned to the house and placed the mother under arrest, leaving her suddenly unsettled. >> She over here. [Applause] >> She's coming out. >> Wait. Dang. Wait, I just wanted to ask you again. Um, what so what happened when they when they came when they showed up here? >> CJ, you're on speaker. Okay, I'm listening. You hear me? What? I'm sorry. >> What happened again when they came here from your >> My kids have full custody of them. I don't understand what's going on. >> Well, we just want to know if there was a physical altercation that happened when you when they got here with you. >> No, no, there's no physical altercation. I don't touch my kids. My dad used to do this to me. I will never be that. We are going to end up putting >> Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What? What? What? What? No. No. No. No. No. No. Why are you doing this? No. No. I have pets. Why are you putting me in cuffs right now? Why are you putting me in cuffs, sir? >> I want Why are you putting me in cuffs? >> I'm going to reach Marine once. >> Why? What did I do? >> She expressed concerns about the involvement of a family member and was hesitant to respond to the officers. >> Why are you putting me in cuffs right now, though, please? You have the right to anything you say can and will be used against court for a lawyer. You have right to talk to a lawyer and have a present with you while being questioned. You can afford to hire a lawyer. Won't be appointed for repent of any questioning if you wish. You can decide anytime you these rights. You listen and ask any questions or make any statements. Do you understand these rights I explained to you? >> No, I don't know why I'm in cuffs right now. What did I do? >> Do you understand the rights I just explained to you? No. >> So, I'm going to read them to you again. Okay. >> I call my lawyer. >> You're requesting the lawyer. Is that what you said? >> Okay. It's >> What did I do? I'm at home. I didn't touch nobody. My dad paid you. >> But you will be >> My dad paid for >> for what? >> Are you? >> Nope. >> I just said no. I just said I did not touch my face. >> Okay. >> Are you kidding me? >> Let's go. >> Really? >> Let's go. >> Really? >> Yes. We're serious. [Applause] You all you would never I don't touch my head. Are you kidding me? He used to me. >> Why is the I never >> take a seat for take a seat. >> Kick your feet in. >> Okay. Kick your feet in. >> No. This is wrong. >> Kick your feet in. >> Oh, he's like elder. Have you put my foot in? >> Are you elder? >> I'm 35. >> Not really. >> Why are you doing this to me? >> Go and kick your feet in for me. >> He used to me. Go >> and kick your feet in here. He's going to pull you in on the other side. >> This is my kid for the >> You putting the feet in. Come on. >> The mother was charged on child abuse. Under Florida law. If convicted, she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $5,000. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment where they are cared for and understood. A single wrong decision today can have lasting effects on a child's future. What seemed like just an isolated case. 3 years later, Florida witnessed another troubling situation when two other children were found alone in a public area. >> And they're wandering around a parking garage and they can get hit by aing car, bro. You know what I mean? >> On May 18th, 2024 in Florida, two young children were discovered without adult supervision in a public space. Nearby residents immediately called the police. At the scene, the children's stepmother was questioned, but she repeatedly evaded and gave vague answers. >> Hello, I'm call >> ma'am. >> Yeah. >> Who are you? >> Um, hello. Hello. That was in the office. >> Can you answer my question? >> Huh? >> Can you please answer my question? You can tell them, you know, they walk out. >> Hello. >> Yeah. L stepmom. >> Cool. Can you put the children over there? They're not touching the children. >> Oh, hello. >> So, you're you're not the real mom. >> Who's real mom? >> She passed away. She'd just see. >> So, can I talk to you like you have a conversation? >> Yeah. >> No, I won't talk to you. You're here >> whenever you're done. >> Okay. All right. Oh, you want to talk to me? Okay. >> Yeah. >> What do you want to talk about? Who you think? The kids. >> The kids. Okay. >> Who you talking to? I don't understand. >> The dad. That's the dad. >> Where's dad at? >> He He on his way back. >> All right. Well, >> where's he at? >> Hello. He on his way. He was 5 minutes away. >> Okay. Where's dad? >> Huh? >> Where's dad, though? >> He just dropped me off. >> Listen. Listen. He beating around the bush. I'm not trying to be rude. I'm not trying to be disrespectful. I'm very straightforward. Right. So, can you please answer my questions? Where's dad coming from? >> Oh, he just dropped me off home. >> Where was dad prior to this? >> He was picking me up from work. >> Okay. And where were the kids? At home >> with who? >> Our other child. >> With who? >> He at home. >> With who? >> Our other child at home. >> Where's Who's the other child? >> Sorry. >> How old is Let me get this straight. You guys these two babies with an 11year-old? >> No, I was at work. I didn't >> So dad did? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Oh my. >> Fantastic. >> And dad's on his way. >> Yeah. >> Fantastic. Her conflicting statements, sometimes shifting blame, other times denying everything, made the police increasingly suspicious. >> What is the address you guys? >> Oh, 548. >> See if any uh child or something along these lines coming out. >> So, I got through the DCF. >> Okay. >> Um this is stepmom. So, basically dad, children alone can go pick her up with an 11year-old >> in the apartment by himself. I guess he wasn't really paying attention cuz it's an 11-year-old probably playing games on his phone. >> Does this happen all the time or >> No. >> Does this happen to me? >> The father of the two children arrived shortly after and voiced his disappointment with his wife. >> Is that your big daddy? >> Yeah. >> Or stepdad or whatever the case is. Sir, >> how you doing? >> What's going on? >> Can you talk to me real quick? >> Yes, sir. >> What's going on? >> Uh, it was sleeping. I ran to the store real quick. Uh, she was there. I didn't know she was leaving to go to work and it's pretty much about it. >> You looking with uh 11year-old? >> No, with with her. I didn't know she was going to work. >> So, your story is different. >> I apologize. >> Can I stand with this officer, please? >> What happened, bro? >> Oh, that that's exactly what it is. >> So, I need help. She was helping me, >> man. She just left. So, the kids in her care is what you're telling me. >> And I was coming right back. >> Where were you going? >> I was going to the store and I was trying to get a part in the car. >> Okay. And they need diapers and wipes. So I was also trying to get everything at once. >> Has this ever happened before? >> No sir. But what he does sometimes he'll unlock the door. Yeah. >> And >> yeah, things like that happen. I get that. >> They're never left alone ever. >> Okay. >> Cuz their mom isn't here. They're all I have. So >> you did the responsible things. Are you telling me you left your children in the care of your wife, girlfriend? >> Yes. My girlfriend. >> Okay. She left the crib. >> Yes, sir. >> And left alone within 11 hours. That's what you're telling me. >> I didn't know she had to be the work on his leg. We didn't communicate that, sir. >> I'm I'm investigating because you understand. I get a call for service. We come through and they're wandering on a parking garage and they can get by a car, bro. You know what I mean? >> Yes, sir. >> Good thing nothing happened. But >> so, I'm here trying to investigate. So, >> however, the situation grew more complex when the father began talking about the challenges of being a single parent, seeking understanding from the police. >> Sir, do you have ID on you? >> Yes, sir. >> Let me get your ID. Would you like to fill out a statement for me on your side of the story? I appreciate it. >> So, you know, I'm conducting a criminal investigation. Not saying I'm charging you with anything, but since I'm conducting investigation, you're not free to leave. So, you can just sit down right here with your kids. I appreciate it. >> Did you release these yet? >> Yeah, they are 51. It's going to be a while though. >> That's my uh I as well. Okay. So, I just need a verbal yes or no. You have these uh you have the right to remain. You understand, sir? Yes, sir. >> Anything you say may be used against you in court. You understand, sir? >> Yes, sir. You have the right to talk to a lawyer before and during questions. Do you understand sir? Yes, sir. >> If you cannot afford a lawyer and want one, one will be provided for you before questioning without charge. Do you understand, sir? Yes, sir. >> Has anyone threatened to you a promise you didn't come talk to me? >> During questioning, he shared his personal perspective on these difficulties, raising further doubts about the stepmother's responsibility. >> You left your children in the care of >> Okay. Which is your girlfriend? >> Yes. >> She lives with you? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. And where were you again? I went to the store. I went try to look for the parts. Car giving problems. Got it right. Came straight. >> Okay. >> And then that's when she called and was like, "Hey, did you pick me up for work?" I'm like, "Pick up." She's like, "Yeah." Uh, I ended up staying. >> Okay. >> So, it was >> Did you Did you know Did you tell her that she was going to be here with the kids? >> Yes. I said, "Stay out. I'll be right back." >> Okay. And she knew the kids was going to be there with you? >> Yes. Because when she told me uh she needed to grab some words and come back, I'm expecting that to happen. >> Okay. So I called my sister and then she was like she was cry but she's going through more situations. So >> I got you. >> But once I once she called and was like, "Hey, I'm going to need you to pick me up. Come pick me up." I think they were here. So I came turned around. >> I got you. >> I promise I never my kids and they all I have. >> No, I got you. >> This is hard right now. I'm a single dad. I need all the help I can get. >> Have you left your kids alone with help in the past? >> Always. And they're and they're always fine. I call daily, FaceTime them, everything's good. This is the first time this has ever been something like this ever. I've never just leave my kids alone. That's not what I do. I'm We went through a situation where we had a home members and and lost her mom. They all I have. >> Did Did she know your kids were home though? Like you told her like, >> "Yes." >> Okay. >> When she was telling me she needed to get something from work, come right back. I was expecting that. Like I said, when she contacted me and said, "I might need to get me. I'm thinking like it was on with the kids." >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, I think your sister's gone. I called my sister. She was like, "I can't make it cuz she's packing my stuff cuz her husband's going through it. She has to get there." So, I'm like, "Let me just hurry up and get there." >> Okay. >> Because now I'm thinking they're there with my son. I'm calling him. He's not answering. >> Okay. So, let me let me So, let me get the gist of everything. I correct me if I'm wrong. >> So, you basically you basically went to the store, get car parts or whatnot. You left your children with an an adult. >> Yes. >> Who knew the children was there, >> right? This adult then left after assuming the responsibility of taking care of your kids. >> Yes. >> Okay. And you guys been each other for how long? 4 years. That's what she said. My dad >> relationship. Yes. But as far as like knowing >> since I was like elementary. >> Not going to say no for how many minutes? >> A long time. That's why I would trust her to just watch till I come back cuz I can't afford and stuff at the moment where I'm trying to get state assistance. >> They told me they let me know by Monday and now we have this problem. So it's like >> No, it's all good. >> It's not one thing. another time. >> Yes, sir. >> I already notified DCF. Doesn't mean they're going to take away kids, but you understand. Uh we were here with the kids for like almost an hour and we had we had a call. You know what I mean? Um but I'm calling back so they don't have to come. >> After the father's statement, the stepmother was read her rights and had to tell the truth. Things then gradually became clear and the truth began to surface. >> I am just like I spoke to that gentleman over there. I am conducting a criminal investigation. So, I have to ask you questions. In order to ask you questions, I got to read you your rights. Do you understand? All right. This does not mean you're being arrested. It's not mean you going to jail. All right. It means I have to ask you questions. Do you understand? I need a verbal yes or no. >> Yes. >> Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand, ma'am? >> Yes. >> Anything you say may be used against you in court. Do you understand? >> Yeah. >> You have the right to talk to a lawyer before or during questioning. Do you understand? >> If you cannot afford a lawyer or want one, one be provided for you before questioning without charges. You understand? >> Yeah. >> Has anyone you promised you anything? That's all you? >> No. >> Okay. Ma'am, you already lied to me earlier. What happened? >> I went out to go to work and he said he going to come pick me up. >> That's not what you told me before. >> Yeah. >> You told me that you was with him and he's going to pick you up. That's what >> you can't pick me up. >> Keep it stacked with me. He He already kept it. He He keeping a thousand with me. >> I am. >> Are you? >> Yeah. >> So, you tell me you didn't leave the kids up there alone? >> Yeah, I did. >> So, you did? >> Yeah. >> Why would you leave a oneyear-old or a 2-year-old alone? >> I had a lot to do. I I have to go to work. >> Ma'am, you see howful that is? >> Yeah. >> You know where we found them? >> Yeah. >> In a parking garage wandering around. You understand? >> Yeah. >> I'm probably Don't worry about it. I already started. >> Yeah. I should have just called out. >> This has this ever happened before? >> No. >> Okay. Why would you leave to work and leave a one and 2 year old by themselves? >> Yeah. Well, I didn't have a transportation. I'm sorry to work, but I didn't think it. But you knew that he left. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you know, he left the apartment to handle his business >> and he left his kitchen in your care. >> Yeah. >> And you still left the apartment. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. I really So sorry. Okay. I got you. Okay. >> The stepmother was charged on child charges. Under Florida law. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison or probation and a fine of up to $5,000. Court records show, however, that she was actually sentenced to two years of probation. Children are not a burden, but a responsibility them with someone untrustworthy can have serious consequences. Parents should plan, communicate clearly, and protect their children's safety. These events in Florida remind us that even within families, challenges can arise that affect a child's sense of safety. A home should be a place of security and support. Raising a child has never been simple, but it is a meaningful and sacred responsibility. Make your home a safe space full of love and understanding. 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