This kid was is soaking wet, >> so I apologize. >> And freezing. Your kids were spending the night in the wet grass at 3:00 a.m. That's That's what was happening. This is probably one of the most insane things I've ever seen in my life. >> You left a 2-year-old in her house by herself, and we found her on the fourth floor just wander with a joint and lighter. >> Some mothers make choices so reckless that the people around them have no choice but to call the police. But what happens when those nightmare mothers are finally confronted and it hits them that they're not going home? I I'm not going to leave my daughter in there. >> No, absolutely not. No. >> You know, she was in here for 10 minutes. I called the police. When she got out, she was sweaty, but she was like, "I'm No, she was she was >> You broke like three laws in the course of 30 minutes. >> You're probably going to go to jail." Okay. >> These were the moments when nightmare mothers realized [music] they're going to jail forever. We begin with a case where officers on patrol at 4 in the morning found something on the side of the road that stopped them cold. [music] Two babies completely alone. So, you thought leaving a 4mon-old and a 16-month-old on the sidewalk at 3:00 in the morning was the best option? >> Oh, god. >> With a >> Can I go? >> No, you can. You can wait. >> I jumped down. There's a man of like security for the school. I want to secure their security for the school. This gentleman here. And they have >> On August 25th, 2024, officers in Middletown were on a routine patrol in the middle of the night when they spotted something on the side of the road. Hey. >> Hey. >> Hey. >> Hello. >> Are you okay? Oh, she's shaking. >> Hey, you're okay, honey. >> Right in the middle of the dawn, the police found two [music] infants crying by the side of the road, completely alone. Immediately they set out looking for an adult nearby. >> Hello. Where are you? >> I told you to find the officer. >> Yeah. >> Can you get down here? >> I don't have I I don't I as I grab >> and um I was changing them real quick. I don't have shoes on. >> Okay. Why are they Why are they down here alone? >> I got I come to the office. Um, I >> Why did you come down here? >> I'm coming right now. >> Yeah, you should probably should do that. >> Unbelievable. >> Are you there, mother? >> Yes, ma'am. That's right. We were in a car. The car is stuck up there. So, I brought the babies with the car seat, the baby with the car seat down here for help. That's what we did when I came. I was right there. >> I swore my pants and um I went up the stairs. It was a later um gentleman. So, I was looking all over for them. My best bet was to go back to the car where I thought you guys would be. >> Us guys what? >> The officers. >> You were out here with the police, >> not a police. It was I'm not from around here. Excuse me. So I thought this was West. >> Okay. >> Okay. So I was talking to somebody from the school >> and they said that um somebody wouldn't come Monday or something. But they had my babies. I went up to go get like I said I soiled myself. When I came back everybody was gone. I'm not from around here. The mother seemed reluctant to approach the police, but officers weren't going to let her walk away without answers. Her explanation was difficult to follow, but something about it wasn't adding up. >> So, you thought the best option was to How old is this child? >> How old is this child? >> 16 months. >> 16 months. And how old is that child? >> 39. >> So, you thought the homework request leaving a 4-month-old and a 16-month-old on the sidewalk at 3:00 in the morning was the best option. I don't buy that for a second. >> No, you're absolutely >> So, you need to find a way to get down here. >> Everything that I just found was on the trail down here. >> I don't care. >> Everything. >> I don't care. So, I didn't have >> Find a way to get down here. >> Do not do not do it that way, please. I don't need you getting injured. Can you walk down? >> I sat. This is where I came down earlier. >> Unbelievable. We're riding by. I thought it was a baby doll. This kid's folded over in the grass. She's nowhere to be found. Oh god. with a a fourmonth-old in the carrier and >> oh, excuse me. I talked to someone from the school and they were with us. I still my kids and when I went back they said that they were calling the custo I said no not a problem. My vehicle is stuck up there. Everything is registered and assured. I'm not from around here. What he said to me is absolutely correct. >> Where'd you go? >> From New Haven, Connecticut. >> Where'd you go? >> We were we're in the school in the circle thing and I I might have um I might have dozed up when my friends with her friend and I got up. I didn't know where I was, so I just started driving. And now I'm stuck up on the um >> up on the ledge. Nothing's broken or anything. I didn't damage anything. So, like I said, it was older. >> They have not been with them. So, I did not I wouldn't do that. >> Well, you said there was someone with the kids. >> Correct. >> Where did you go when you left? >> Right where the um spears were. >> Another baby. >> Yes. My baby. She's with us. >> But there's a um gentleman. >> What are you doing here in Middletown? >> Um my friend was visiting her boyfriend here and I went to Rocket Hill High so I sort of kind of >> Yeah, but here did your other kid fall off the wall. >> No, no, I had her. >> I came first just like I did then and then I carried and then I held her in my arms and then I brought her down with me. That's why I said I did a lot of work to get down here. I didn't just randomly Where did you come from? My car is somewhere up there and I just um >> Well, how did you end up up there on the wall? >> When I went back up this way right through the stairs, there's like a little U. >> Yeah. >> So, as you went I have an ID. Let's work on that. This kid was is soaking wet. >> So, I apologize. >> And freezing. So, so am I. And I have I promise you everything was with me. The um her thing if you look in my car, I have diapers, wipes, all of that with extra pair of clothes. We were spending the night, but everything was up in the >> No, your your kids were spending the night in the wet grass at 3:00 a.m. That's That's what was happening. I >> I know. I know what to say. I'm not going to argue with you, but I know what I did do. >> She's in my winter. Don't >> Can I please? >> No, you can. You can wait. >> The mother kept insisting she hadn't abandoned the children. But as she talked, officers caught her in a lie, and it was about the one detail that mattered most. Um, I was driving by and I saw these two 4 month and 16 months unattended laying in the grass. She's wet, shivering. I don't know how long they've been out here. >> Breathing. >> Yeah. So, I just wanted to get >> Nobody else around. >> Oh, mom was uh up in the woods doing something. So, not really sure. >> Well, we're warming up now, right? >> Where's your friend visiting someone at? >> I don't even know. Her phone is not on her right now. Crystal, >> so you came from New Haven here. >> My phone I just saw my phone's in the woods. In the wood woods up there that day. >> Why is your phone in the woods? >> I was coming down not the woods, but right here the marsh. >> I know, but I'm trying to figure out how you ended up there in Middletown on Wesley's property and your kids are out here in the grass. So, this doesn't make sense. >> No, me and the children were in the car. My friend went to go see her friend and we were near >> Why are Okay, they're not in your car now is what I'm I'm saying. How did you end up here? Because my car is stuck sir up there. >> Stuck. >> Okay. There's a gate. So you can't obvious you can't come down here when the circle there. >> Is your car broken down? >> No. That's what I'm saying. >> Why are you not in your car? I'm asking you. >> I went to try to go through a a gate and you can't fit through the gate. So I'm at that gate, but nothing's broken. >> Why are the Why are the kids not in the car with you? Why were the kids How did the kids get out of the car? We are I took my children out of the car so we can get help because the car is stuck up there. >> So I came down here. Look, this look like a main road to me to get help. >> Why are they stuck? >> I was trying to get out of um looking up. >> So you can't drive your car out. >> I should be able to now, but I didn't even have my keys on me. Everything's right here. >> None of this makes sense. >> My This This is my jacket. My keys was just right here with the babies. I know you >> should be able to get my car but my key. >> I could give not a single care less about your vehicle right now. >> Right. Right. That's the last >> I need to We'll figure that part out after, but I need to figure out why your kids were left in the manner that they were. That's what we need to find out. >> I came from my vehicle from up there. My friend exited the vehicle. I dozed off. So, I don't remember where, who, what, when, and where. When I got up, I got up, the car was already on, and I'm just looking around like, where am I supposed to go? I put the um the key the thing on the ignition and I go out this little side gate thing, but it's leading me to the back of the building and I just keep going till I can't go no more. Then that's when I said that car is stuck right there at the um it's like a little ledge or thing and then it'll go right here to the side of the building. >> So you came out here with a friend? >> No, she was she's not with me anymore. I don't know where she went. >> You originally came out here with a friend. Yes. >> To middle town with a friend. >> Somehow ended up in the back of this building. Got your vehicle stuck. Your friend left. And then what happened >> from there when the vehicle stopped? Couldn't find my phones or anything. I'm coming. No, I'm gathering up my stuff, but my phones are I got the baby stroller, the blanket, bottles, and I have one baby in my hip. We're pushing it all the way to here. I jump down. There's a man of like security for the school. You want to say >> they're security for the school, this gentleman here. And they have no idea what you're talking about. They have not had any calls involving any kids. No, none of their employees or staff have been out with children at all. So that person, if they exist, was not the police and was not campus security. >> At this point, the mother's story had fallen apart entirely, and the officers began to suspect that something else was happening. >> Well, I talked to somebody that was a little bit farther down through my hair. All of us, me, that person, and my children traveled from where my butt mark was to down there. And then I, like I said, I swieldled my pants. So I said, "Hold on a second." And they they were there. I didn't just say, "Oh, I'm gone." and just left my babies. When I came back, they weren't there. Then I went up the stairs. Didn't think I went as far down as I did. >> Saw there's some stairs over there and I went up the stairs and then I found my vehicle. Then when I heard the babies crying and I seen police lights, I came running. That's exactly what happened. I woke up and that's exactly what happened. And sometimes I do fall asleep on the road, but I didn't fall asleep. >> Have you have you consumed any today or taken any or anything like that? Are you on any medications? >> Um, no, but I just >> Have you smoked >> recently? So, like your your your balance is all off. You're learning your word, whatever. I'm just trying to figure out if you drank. >> I'm just nervous about everything that has has happened. I woke up in a in a super in the car stuff. I come down here. I I know what it it looked like all day. That's why I got all the stuff for the babies to come down here to get help. >> Something up there on the car stuff. >> Oh, definitely. I'm sure I'm sure there's a lovely sight waiting for us when we go up there. After hearing the mother fail to give a reasonable explanation, the police decided that was enough. What happened next to that nightmare mother was inevitable. >> All right, I'm going to be honest with you. You're going to jail >> for what? >> Risk of injury times two. Leaving two children under the age of 12 unsupervised. >> Is it possible my husband they're the >> um no. I'm going to let DCF make the determination of where these children go. Okay. Because you're going to jail. >> Simple as that. And I have no idea who to get in contact with. And even if I were to and I make this DCF notification about what just happened and DCF knows that I let those kids go with somebody other than who they deem is fit, I'll probably lose my job. >> No. So, I get that. >> This is probably one of the most insane things I've ever seen in my life. >> No, then it does sound crazy. I'm not arguing with you guys at all. >> Can I bring my stuff? >> Just leave it there for now. I found your car. I'm not sure how we're going to get it out of here to be honest. Yeah, she went off-roading a little bit. >> I don't even know how to get back here. >> So, where I went in on the other side. >> Let's put this camera right now. >> That's where she came in. I saw tire tracks down in the beginning. >> So, she came behind all these buildings. >> Go ahead and take a seat in there for me. You got it. You good? Are they going to be able to get that thing out of there with a tow truck? Can somebody do that like safely? You think? like it's not going to slide down the hill. >> Yeah, you said it. >> Okay. >> Is it possible to um get an extra pair of clothes I do have on me? Cuz I I stink. I didn't mean to use the bathroom on myself. >> In the end, the mother was taken into custody and charged with [music] two counts of risk of injury to a young person and held on a $1 million bond. Next, officers were called after a 2-year-old was found wandering alone in an apartment building [music] holding something no child should ever have in their hands. >> You left a 2-year-old by herself while you went to the store. You left a 2year-old by herself and you went to the store and then we found her on the fourth floor just wander with a joint and lighter. Do you not see a big issue in that? >> I knock the door. I said they told you I want to watch over here. >> That's not You can't do that. On December 16th, 2024, officers arrived at an apartment building where a 2-year-old had been found alone. Upon arrival, their first priority was finding whoever was supposed to be watching her. >> Okay. So, you don't know where her mom saved? >> No. >> So, how do you know her? >> This is This is my little cousin. She was just in the hallway. >> But you don't know where her mom say? >> Come on. Put your feet there. >> And how long was it? I just got here. So, I just think I'm in the hallway >> cuz it's uh like 3:10. >> Yeah, I just >> maybe like 3:00. >> Yeah. Put your feet in front. >> Do you have you ever seen this little girl before? >> Put your feet in my >> Oh, yeah. We found this in the baby here. >> We found this in the baby hair. Okay. >> Does she live on the first floor? At least you know. >> No, I don't know. >> You don't know? You've never been around? >> So, you just went in the hallway and just saw her there. She came here. >> The lady was upstairs. >> Upstairs. What floor? >> Um, I think in the fourth floor in the other building >> in the north building. >> Yeah. When the cousin revealed what she found in the child's hand, the officers realized how unsafe the condition the baby was in. But while they tried to process that, more family members showed up and their reaction when asked about the mother's whereabouts left the police unsettled. >> Are you looking for somebody? The 2-year-old. Oh, there we go. My mom. >> No, that's my sister. >> Huh? >> That's my sister. >> All right. >> Who's your sister? >> The baby's your sister? >> That's what I'm saying. And they found her on the fourth floor by herself wandering the hallway. >> She don't stay with me. She That's my friend. She was >> That's what I'm saying. Where's her mom? >> I don't know. I don't know. I don't talk to my mom. >> You live here? >> Yeah. >> So, where's the mom? >> Huh? >> Where's the mom? >> Mom? Mom? >> Yeah. >> I don't know. >> So, who's watching the baby? >> I don't know. >> But you live here? >> Yeah. With you. >> Was the baby with you? >> Wait a minute. Was the baby with you? >> No. Something later called the baby. Some lady. >> Who was the baby with? >> That's what we don't know. To you, >> huh? >> What's the mouth to you? >> Uh, to my niece. >> Your niece? What's her name? >> But she does not stay. >> No. >> So, why is her address here? >> What address? >> Her address for the building states that she lives here. So they found a little baby on the four floor. That lady is some big old tall lady. Find little girl on the floor with a half a joint and a lighter. >> So she brought her down here to my house cuz you know that's >> Yeah, I understand that. Yeah, I understand that. We have the baby here. We're trying to find the mom. >> Do you know Do you know the address on the fourth floor of the mom say that? >> No. You're asking somewhere else in this building. The mom stay at >> really. >> Do you know the mom? >> The mom is here. >> That's your niece. >> That's my niece where we like this. >> As officers continued questioning the family, it became clear that something was being left unsaid. But the more they pushed, the more the story began to shift. >> So her mother does not live here. >> No. >> All right. >> Yeah. What's up? >> No. >> Oh, yeah. We're going to have we're going to have to find >> mother. They be visiting coming over here. >> So you mean you want to come? If you want to come look in the other >> I don't talk to my mom. >> So she would been at my house and talk to my mom. I don't talk to my mom. >> So they supposed to work for in the other building. >> Mom. We're looking for Erica. >> No. I have >> Who's the mother of this child? >> Erica. >> So we're looking for Erica. >> I got here like 3 like 3 something. And I came to visit with my cousins and we were just talking or whatever. Then somebody came and knocked on the door. >> What apartment were you at? On the first floor. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And someone came and knocked on the door and said what? >> Um that the baby had was obviously her hand and they >> describe the uh weave. I love So >> how did you know it was a blunt? >> The girl the lady had seven. >> Okay. What was slowly coming to the surface was that no one seemed to care much about Erica's situation and talking about the devil. That was when she suddenly showed up. >> Is your name Erica? >> Your baby was wandering the whole building by itself. Who did you leave the baby in custody of? >> Somebody call a minute. >> We're not doing that. We're not doing that. >> All right. Let me talk to you. >> You're mom, right? Let me talk to you. Who did you leave the baby in custody with? >> Um, I had just went to the store and they come right back. She's in the house sleep. I've been gone 5 minutes. >> Who the who was in the house? >> Nobody. >> So, you left a 2year-old? >> She was sleep. >> No. No. Listen, >> I understand. >> You left a 2year-old by herself while you went to the store. Why didn't you tell anybody? You have family downstairs? >> I told you I'm not going to neighbor. I told her to keep an eye on her. All right, we're going to have a big issue. All right. What's the problem? >> You left a 2year-old by herself and you went to the store and then we found her on the fourth floor just wandering with a joint and a and a lighter in her. Do you not see a big issue in that? >> Yeah, but the joint was mine. >> Does it matter? You left a 2year-old in her house by herself. >> Do you not see the issue in that? >> Yes. >> Who's that? across the street. >> Did Did you talk to her and tell her to come over to the house? >> Yes, I did. >> So, was there somebody with your daughter in the house when you left the house? >> You didn't just say that. >> I said I left her with this lady name. >> No, no. You said I I I left her cuz she was sleeping by the door. I knocked the door and I said they told you I went to the store. Watch her right. >> No, no, no. That's not That's not That's not the You can't do that. If she didn't come to your house and say, "Okay, I'm going to watch your daughter." You can't just say, "Hey, I'm leaving the house. My daughter's in the room." And then what? You don't know if she went over or not. What if someone else went enter the house? >> You see what I'm saying? >> In the end, Erica was charged with an endangerment. Her child was placed in the care of a family member. [music] In the next case, officers responded to a call that left everyone involved speechless as two young children were found walking alone in the middle of a busy road. You want to know why did y'all say y'all going to walk down the road like that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> When you pulled up, were they out in the yard looking for them? >> No. >> I'm going to let you until DCF gets here. I'm going allow you to stay right here with your kids until they get here. Okay. >> So, she brings her kids there and they run off like that. I'm resp I have to be arrested for this. >> On August 24th, 2025, officers responded to a call from a passer by who had spotted two children walking alone on a busy road. When officers tracked down the family, something about them didn't sit right. Well, we found a bystander found him in the middle of 34. >> Oh my god. >> So, >> why in the world? >> What on earth was y'all thinking? >> Why Why in the world would y'all do that? Y'all know better than that. Why would y'all run off from here like that? I'm I'm waiting. >> Who y'all living here? >> It's my place. >> Is this your dad's place, too, or my place? >> Okay. Is your dad still living here? >> No, not He's a nurse home. >> Okay. All right. >> Well, I'm waiting. >> Is it just y'all two? >> Yes, us four. >> Ma'am, you want to know what? What? What? What? What? Why did y'all say y'all going to walk down the road like that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> Or somebody could have took y'all. >> Why? Why? Why are y'all walking down the road like that? Why' y'all run off here? Y'all know better than that, right? >> What was your name, ma'am? >> Why? >> Jennifer. >> Jennifer Corbin. >> Why you run off the road? Huh? >> And your name, sir? >> Better than that? What was what was your name, sir? >> Matthew Patton. >> Matthew. Okay. >> Yeah. Pat, >> why why are y'all running off like that? >> Y'all ain't been out here long. Y'all boat know better than to run off like that. >> Was y'all asleep or? >> No. >> They're watching CIS. >> They've been out there playing with the dogs. She said, "I don't hear the dogs." She went out looking for the dogs. We were searching for them. You know, they hadn't been gone long. >> They both know better than to run off like that. Both of them. >> Why? >> Y'all have a phone or anything? That's works. >> Okay. I have no I I'm so disappointed in you. So disappointed you right now running off like that. He's down in the middle of the road. >> And you don't know better than that, right? >> Yes, you do. That's correct. Correct, >> Braden. >> Yeah. >> When you pulled up, were they out in the yard looking for him? >> No. No. >> Where were they? >> One come She she comes from inside the camper and this dude come up from out of the house. >> No, they were not out looking for them. >> I I didn't want to say that, but it didn't look like it. I'm going tell them that she needs to get her and her kids and come up to the office immediately so we can get all this squared away. >> Jennifer and her boyfriend seemed genuinely worried about the children. But what the officers couldn't get past was why they acted so nonchalantly before the police arrived. What was coming next for that couple was something neither of them was prepared for. >> Hey, Jennifer, can I speak with you? Just going to shut the door so kids can't hear. Hey, we'll be right back. Okay, Piper and Indica. >> We're just right here. You'll still be able to see us. Okay. I just going to talk to your mom for just a minute. Okay. All right. This is what's going on. You and Mr. Patton are going to be arrested for child desertion. Okay. >> What? >> Just because the kids were outside playing from what you stated. You were inside the house and the both the kids were on 84 East which was good little ways for a four and 5year-old to be walking. D I've already contacted DCFS and they're going to be sending somebody out here. Do you have anybody for the children? >> They're Can you write down her name and address right here, please? And this is what's going to happen next. [laughter] Just listen to me. Okay. I got Mr. Pat coming up here. All right. He's going to do this as well. I'm going to tell him what's going on. [laughter] I'm going to let you until DCF gets here. I'm going allow you to stay right here with your kid until they get here. Okay. All right. [laughter] And just keep in mind that this isn't this doesn't mean that it's a permanent thing, okay? They're not getting permanently taken away from you as of right now. All right. since I've got your name for Lisa Roberts. Is that your mother? >> No, it's my best friend. Like their aunt. She >> Okay. Do you have any relatives? That's That's close. Okay. But just keep in mind it's not permanent. Okay. They still be allowed to see your kid. All that good stuff. Okay. But I I have to make a decision. I have to make an action based off of what had happened. Come take a seat down here for me and I'm going to talk to Mr. Patton. Okay. >> After realizing what was going to happen next, Jennifer broke down completely. And Patton's reaction was just as alarmed. >> What's going on, Mr. Patton? So, this is what's going on. So, are you the boyfriend to Miss Okay, this is what's going to happen. We had an incident happen where these kids were out on the roadway. Had somebody call it in. Mhm. >> All right. So, I have to make an action. All right. >> Thank you. >> I have to make an action. Yes, sir. Since you were the boyfriend of the parents mother, then we're going to have to arrest both of y'all. >> For what? >> For child desertion. >> Man, I look, man. I've known this girl for two weeks, man. She brought her kids down here. Been staying at my house. She's had trouble with them. Some type some part of problems. Man, I've loved this girl for a total of two [music] weeks. Right. Got up this morning. They're in and out of the house playing with the dogs in there. And all she looks at me says, "Well, I don't hear the kids." We get up. I'm looking for them. When I walked down the street, I met y'all. I don't know if y'all seen me this morning when y'all passed me. >> I did. >> I was walking down the road. I Well, y'all stop looked at me, stopped like I was going to pull in and I I shook my hands like this cuz I thought, you know, maybe they got the babies. Uh, I was looking for the kids. So, when she brings her kids there and they run off like that, I'm resp I have to be arrested for this. >> Both parties are are responsible. Yes, sir. Of the children. >> I don't even know this. I don't even >> I like I said, I've known these a couple weeks, man. Like, and and I'm I'm getting arrested for something that I I don't even know these people really. And I'm getting arrested for this. >> Both people. Why should I be getting I could understand if I was their daddy, if I was married to her, if I'd been with them, if I'd been uh over overseeing the kids, >> but I had none of that. None of that. >> Yes, sir. They were they were on your property, correct? >> Uh yes, but that doesn't that doesn't mean that I'm responsible for her kids. If they if she brings them to my my place, how am I responsible? >> You've also said it to me that y'all are in a relationship. >> I just started seeing the girl. I've known her a couple of two weeks. >> Yes, sir. So, y'all are both adults, right? >> That's correct. and both have over. But I don't understand why I should get arrested for something that her kids done. I don't I'm not I don't understand this. So if anybody comes to my house and their kids act up, I I'm responsible for it. If they're they come to my house, >> if you're dating the person and you are also >> like I could understand this if I had been maybe if I've been in a relationship with this woman for a while and I was the kids guardian, but I'm not. This is this makes no sense to me whatsoever. >> None. >> Would you like to talk to the sheriff over this issue? >> Maybe so. Maybe if I could. Maybe that would be Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Insisting on his innocence, Patton wasn't going down without a fight. With him still pushing back, the officers decided to bring in the sheriff to assess the situation and make the final call. >> I just got off the phone with the sheriff. He said he's in an out of town meeting at the moment. He had to step out. But look, he also told me to let you know that we're just following DCFS guidelines. All right. >> I know that, but the situation, man, like like if I was their guardian, that would be one thing. But I mean, these these people have been in my house a handful of times. I just started seeing their mama. I don't see how in the world I'm responsible for anything to do with this. Any any whatsoever. Any whatsoever. >> Yes, sir. And that's that's not that's >> because I'm so so so you meet somebody and she come over with their kids and they do something, you're responsible for it, huh? >> Depending on circumstance what the kids had done. You know, >> the kids haven't done anything. They walked up the road. They knew better than that. I was right on their butt. I mean, though that's not my damn responsibility. I don't see how how it should be. I'm trying to be a good guy, but I don't understand why I'm getting arrested for something that that someone else's kids do that I have no control over what other people do. >> Yes. So, she's getting arrested, too. >> I understand that, but that's their mother. I understand that. I'm not their father. I'm not their stepfather. >> I've still got to unfortunately put you in jail. >> Yeah. I understand what you're saying, man. >> But like I said, it's we got to follow DCF DCFS guidelines is what is what we're doing. All right. >> I understand what you're saying. >> I guess nothing against you personally, nothing of that nature. Is is is there Man, I'm not I'm not going to give y'all any kind of trouble. I promise you that, man. I I'll cooperate with you whatever we need done. I mean, I'm not stupid. I'm not stupid. Could I speak to Jennifer just a second? >> Yeah. Let me get her out away from the kids. Hey, Jennifer. Mr. Paddton wants to talk to you for just a minute. >> Bring me out here center. I don't know. I'm trying to get her. Get me out. I don't know what I don't know. I'm trying to get you out. Like, I don't know what I don't know what to do. I don't know. Just calm down. It's okay. It's okay. Just calm down. Just calm down. You okay? Calm baby. Calm down. Okay. All right. It's going to work out. I don't know why, but I'm going to jail for this. I don't know. >> Yes, sir. Like I said, I've told her to that she's going to be going she's going to be >> Yeah, I understand that. But I mean, I don't understand why I'm going to jail. Not at all. I understand. >> In the end, Jennifer and Patton were both arrested and charged with child desertion. Next up, what initially seemed like a minor incident in a parking lot quickly turned into an emergency. One that would reveal a series of decisions made by a mother that put her own one-year-old girl's life at risk. >> How long she been in there? been here for about about 10 minutes. >> All right, I'm going to smash the window then. >> No, no, no. >> I have to cuz she's been stuck. >> NEVER. >> Never again. >> What's right on her mouth is that food. >> Okay, but now you can go to jail. >> On May 20th, 2024 in Palm Coast, Florida, officers were called to a supermarket parking lot after reports that a one-year-old girl had been left locked inside a vehicle. Upon arriving at the scene, they found an anxious couple standing next to the car, but with the child still trapped inside. Is the car recording? >> Shut up. Shut up. >> Whose car is it? >> All right. But she is It's not on. >> No. >> All right. How long has she been in there? >> For about 10 minutes. >> All right. I'm going to smash the window then. >> No. >> I have to cuz she's been stuck. >> Rather than focusing on getting the child out as quickly as possible, the mother's first concern was the car. The officers, however, weren't there to negotiate it. Do the back door. >> You don't have a You don't have a W. >> I didn't do that on purpose. That key doesn't work. >> What? You do you have a key at all? Outside the car. Do you have a key? >> She has the key because he put the key in her with her. >> That's not your fault. >> Can you get that? >> I need her to touch this button. She touched that button. She couldn't >> Can you get a handle? Grab it. >> She already did that. >> She She did that. It's locked. If she doesn't, >> Huh? >> No. >> What is that? >> You're You're okay with us breaking out the window to get her? >> That window. The little girl was finally out of the car, but she was clearly not well. While officers were trying to sort things out, something else was happening between the couple that was difficult TO IGNORE. NEVER AGAIN. >> That's what you mean, bro. That's not my fault. I was doing this on purpose. I put her in the car seat. I was coming on this side to open it and it just locked. >> You were supposed to have that key on you. >> Never put that. >> Yeah, I must. >> All right. Whose parents? Are you guys both parents? >> Don't do that. Give me your space talking. It's okay. >> Yeah. >> Is that food on her mouth? >> The rest food. >> What's red on her mouth? Is that food? >> No, that's chips. Chips. >> Okay, >> Tommy. Let's Let's give you something. >> It's okay. Thumb. >> I'm never giving you my D. No more. No more. It's always his dumb ass. He always does that all the time. >> Is he to the child? >> He always does. >> I should have never gave him the key. I told him to wait in the car and he took her. When I came back, he said, "You you you." And I'm like, "What is going on? You give fives, high fives. No, no, no. I don't want your food. You eat that. >> As the mother's frustration grew, she began pointing the [music] finger squarely at the father and the officers turned their attention to him. >> What happened, ma'am? Walmart and she told me, "Grab the baby and take her to the car. She's crying too much." So, I came I I opened the door. I put her in the car seat. I mean on the on the car. And then once I placed her, the key was there and I thought I had had it in my pocket and I just closed the door and I went around and I started locking. I realized that the key was in the car. >> How long was she in there? >> Like 8 minutes, 5 minutes. We just got from Walmart. >> So you went inside the store and left her in there. >> No, I just said the baby was crying at the store and she said take the baby. I I started walking with the baby and put her in the car the in the seat and then I closed the door to go back on the other side the driver's side and I was trying to open the door and that's when I I noticed that the key was inside already. >> Okay. >> So it's like >> And who are you to the Are you the father? >> Yeah. And that controller doesn't It seems like it doesn't work. >> Are you guys married? >> Not married but >> together. >> Together. Yeah. >> Do you guys live in Homestead? >> Yeah. The father's version of events painted the whole thing as nothing more than a careless mistake. But something about the way the pieces were fitting together wasn't sitting right. >> Did you give permission for them to break the window or he did? >> They did. I I'm not going to leave my daughter in there. >> No, absolutely not. No. >> You know, she was in here for 10 minutes. I called the police and >> I didn't say she was sweating and she didn't look good, right? >> They told me that they need to break the window. When she got out, she was sweating, but she was like, "I'm dying." No, she was she was silent. I took her clothes out and I gave her watermelon so she's hydrated and that's it. They have >> trying to take it seriously cuz like >> that's the first time that that happens and he should know that you should never leave your kid in your car. >> Yeah. >> So it things happen. It's okay. >> Okay. >> I just I don't know what >> I guess there's an injunction. I don't know. They're looking into it. >> Yeah. But it's been months since that. So I I don't know. registration for the vehicle. >> That's all good. You said you just What do you buy this car? >> I have. >> Okay. But you don't have registration. >> The vehicle's not registered. >> No. >> You have the wrong type. >> I I know. I'm coming from South Carolina. So, >> okay. But now you're you can go to jail. >> While speaking with the mother, the car situation started to raise questions. What had started as a call about a baby trapped in a hot vehicle was now opening the door to a series of other problems. >> That's a trailer tag. Where'd you even get this tag from? >> His dad. >> You can't you saw the how the bar the decal is cut out. Even that alone is arrestable cuz you're modifying a tag and a sticker. Okay. Can you grab your license for me? >> He has my license. >> Charlie 213. >> Yeah, it's already in the >> All right. Okay. What do you need? My my the >> We already have your stuff. We have your >> Can you tell me the title? >> Yeah, we need that. >> Okay. >> 105 VIN out of Florida. >> Try um which Carolina? >> So, I'm from South Carolina. >> You bought the car from South Carolina, right? >> I just drove this car from Miami to South Carolina. >> So, you buy >> I bought this car from Miami. I did not register the car until I got to South Carolina. I was supposed to change that tag and I didn't. >> Just find the title real quick for me so I can verify that you own it. >> Your license is good, right? >> Suspended. >> You're suspended, too? >> This is not suspended. How you getting out of here? That's great. >> His is not suspended though. >> Yeah, but yours is. >> Mine is worst case scenario, he goes to jail and you have a suspended license. How do you >> I'm not going to I'm going to >> You're going to wait a week. >> What happens if you get a criminal citation? We have to get this vehicle out of here or we got to take this tag off. Walmart's not going to let the cars take you. >> Oh, okay. I have the license. >> Okay. That's not That's not That's what I'm saying. So, what's going to have to happen is we can't leave this tag on. >> We can't leave the tag on the vehicle, right? >> Okay. Then I will go to the DMV and then get the tag. >> Well, you can't get the tag. >> You don't live here. So, they're not going to accept. They're not going to let you. You got to go to the DMV close to where you live. Get the vehicle registered. So, Walmart's most likely going to tow the car. I don't know. Deputy Dorsy is going to give you a ticket for the the tag. >> That's >> who who the Grim's name is. >> That's the person that sold me the car. >> Okay. So, why didn't you sign it? >> I didn't sign it. Of course, I didn't sign it. >> This car stolen? >> No, this car is not stolen. >> All right, real quick. Okay, I know he's being nice and all, but listen, listen, listen, listen. Okay, I'm going to be very serious with you. Okay, course. So, this happened at Walmart. Okay, you went inside Walmart with your kid and your Who's that? your boyfriend. >> My boyfriend. >> Okay. >> The more the mother talked, the worse things got. For a family that wasn't from the area, the situation was quickly becoming a logistical nightmare. >> I don't think it's stolen, but I used to tell you >> that's not stolen. I just didn't sign it. >> Okay. >> 213. Okay. >> I know. And I just got this far. I've been >> You know what? Do you know what the charge is? An illegal transfer of a of a title. >> He's going to tell to Miami date and see if he contact. >> You know what you're doing for this. >> All right. When you sign a title, you need to sign the seller's portion of this t of this title, >> right? >> If you're just running around with this thing not signed, that's in violation of state taxes. You go to jail. So, you broke like three laws in the course of 30 minutes. A fixing it and fixing an improper tact to a vehicle is criminal. Driving a vehicle is not registered to you is or not registered at all is criminal. I have to verify that to make sure that he knows that he's going to tell us that he sold you the vehicle. He tells us his vehicle is missing right now and it's stolen. You're driving a stolen vehicle. You're going to jail for it. Okay. And then we'll call DC. You have to pick up your kid. >> Okay. You can call. I'm not worried about it. >> Okay. >> You can call. >> Um >> you can call because I wasn't driving. He was driving. He has license for over 6 years. Mine is suspended because I had a Jeep and I didn't pay the insurance that you can call. I'm not worrying about that. >> But you already drove this car. >> I >> You drove it from that parking spot to here. >> We didn't know your license was suspended, but we watched you drive it. Yeah, I drove it because I just died. >> So, driving a car suspend license is a crime as well, just so you know. And you told us that it was suspended means you're aware of it, okay? I'm just being serious. I'm saying the facts, okay? I'm making everyone aware of everything, okay? What goes on past this point, I'm looking for the most peaceful resolution to this situation, okay? I don't feel leaving a kid with DCF alone by in of itself. Okay? But you need to get your situation fixed. You can't be driving a car with improper tags on it. You can't be fixing the improper tags on it. Okay? So, if I can just take him, if his thing is actually a crime right now and he's going to jail, I plan on leaving the kid with you. And most likely, I'll probably give you a citation or maybe a warning for whatever is in your vehicle. Okay. But this tag doesn't belong in this vehicle, so I do have to take it. One, and two, this vehicle is not going to have a tag on it, and you're suspended, so you can't drive it. Do you have something to come pick you guys up from here? If if this all goes the way you think it's going to go, do you have something to come pick you up from here or no? >> Cuz you guys are from Miami, right? >> Yes. Do you have any friends up here? >> I'll call this mom and I'll let her know. >> Where she at? >> She's in Miami. >> So from Miami, it's 4 hours. >> I know it's 4 hours. >> So it's more closer. >> That you can call. I'm not worrying about that. I didn't sign it. That's my fault. >> But you can call the person. It's a Spanish person that sold me the vehicle, but his mom, >> this is his mom's car. >> Yeah. >> So you can call for that. I'm not worried about that. I didn't sign it because I didn't sign it. That's it. >> You're supposed to. Just so you know. Okay. Okay. >> You can't forget when you buy vehicles like this from titles on scene with the vehicle with the guy there. So, you both sign it. So, then this issue doesn't arise in the future because right now we're stuck with something, right? A paper in front. You can't sign it now in front of me because I know you're drawn if I picked it up, right? So, if he says he sold you the vehicle, then you can sign it. But that's the whole issue, right? >> Okay. >> So, give me one second. You can close this box up. You can get back in your driver's seat with your AC and your kids. Relax. I'll be back in a second. Thinking about the safety of the child, the police tried [music] to help the family with the car issue. Then the father was back to the center of the investigation again. And what he had to say next would either help clear things up or dig the hole even deeper. >> The tag on that vehicle, where'd it come from? It >> came from uh um we we bought it from a guy from Miami. >> All the tags we got in Miami? >> No, the car. >> But what about the tag? >> Oh, the tag. That's my father's tag. We're just trying to like get to that since we was looking for work. We was trying to like like fight for like ourselves, you know, like >> But you knew that you as well in that vehicle, so what you put on there? That's the whole issue now. >> Yeah, I know. But that's the problem is that like I said, like we was like getting like close to being homeless. were like we had to move fast to like like with my uncle >> and we had we were trying to get work but it seemed like we can't find work so that we have money to get our insurance you know things like that so that's that was the issue >> and I just took that tag from my the back of my dad's house just so I could get to where I need to go but I know that's that's an issue but that's just like a error from me like just grabbing the the tag from my dad's just to like move around quick to try to support my daughters. >> Got it. Listen, I understand you're struggling, right? But doing stuff like that's criminal as well, right? A fixing a tag that's going on in that vehicle is going to cause issues that she if someone runs that like we just did and she comes back to a trailer and that's on that vehicle cuz right now I have to take that tag off that vehicle and that vehicle can't move from that spot. >> If you guys drive that vehicle with no tag on it, someone's going to get arrested for it cuz that vehicle's not >> stop the roadways and get towed. That's what we're trying. >> Then you guys are stuck up here in Palm Coast. You guys live in Miami, right? >> We're just trying to get you home. >> I understand. You go back to Miami. Where you coming from? >> North Carolina. I mean, South Carolina. >> I I understand saying, "All right, just give it a second." Okay. I'm trying to find those peaceful resolutions of the situation, okay? I don't like to jam people up, okay? But I have to do my job when I have to. Okay? Just give me a second. All right. Based on the father's statement, the police could tell this family was already walking a very thin line. So, thinking about the child's well-being, they decided to warn them about something very important. >> Listen, I told you I'm I told you my best. All I do, right, is find the best solution in the situations, okay? Yet again, end of the day, got to do my job, right? So, you're not going to jail off, >> okay? But that tag has come off that be because you guys can't have it on there. Okay? So, I am taking it. that vehicle now no longer no longer has a tag on it, which makes it very noticeable to us as law enforcement. If you choose to drive that vehicle past this point with a shattered window with no tag on it, I guarantee you it's going to be a very bad day for everybody in that vehicle with you. Okay? So, your job right now, and I'm going to tell her the same thing, to find someone that can come pick you up cuz we live in Miami. >> Oh, I want to tell you. All right. Find an Uber. The hotels over here and stay there until you get someone to come pick you up. But that vehicle now no longer has a tag on it and it's a shattered back window. So if a cop sees that, it ain't going to be a good day for you guys. You stole that vehicle. >> If you decide to drive this thing, that's your own collision. All right. All I know is if I stop you, and I assume if he stops you, you're most likely going to jail. If you drive that thing on the interstate, like you say, with a shatter window, no tag, follow the highway patrol is going to stop you. You're most likely going to jail. Now, do you know how many counties you have to travel between Flagler County and Nate County? It's like eight or nine different counties. If you, God willing, you make it through 9 eight or nine counties, you you don't no jail. >> But what we're saying is it's most likely not going to happen. So you need to get this vehicle registered, have someone in D County register it. Well, assuming someone on the title cuz neither of you guys are on the title, so your dad's going to have to register this vehicle and then they can bring the tag up here and boom. But Walmart's not going to I'm guaranteeing Walmart's not going to let the vehicle with no tag sit in the parking lot. So you got about uh 24 hours to get all that stuff done. >> I'm going to take this tag off this vehicle. and you have a shattered back window. Okay, you guys are both adults and you don't have a Lexus, so you can't drive. All right, so >> this license is clear. >> I know if you get caught driving, you probably going to go to jail. >> No, >> if you get caught driving this car with no tag and a broken window, you're probably going to go to jail. Okay, you got a kid to think about. You guys are getting a huge break right now. Okay, we did a lot of work just to make sure that you have to go to jail today. Okay, you have a kid. That's what we're worried about. That's why we're doing all this. Okay, I can take you to jail for that, but I'm not going to, okay? take us to the kid. Okay. >> In the end, the father received a formal warning for improper use of a license plate and it's notified of a future court appearance. The plate was removed and the vehicle was taken out of circulation until it could be properly registered. In this next case, the police got [music] a phone call that would change everything for a 6-year-old girl. The child was left outside her house for hours in a heartbreaking condition, waiting for a mother who never planned to come back. >> But why did mommy and daddy drop you off by yourself? >> Cuz they had to go somewhere. And did they tell you they were going to be back? [music] >> No. >> On April 4th, 2025, deputies from the Valuchia Sheriff's Office were called by a concerned woman who had found a 6-year-old girl wandering alone outside on a hot day with her dog. When officers arrived, they found the child sitting in a chair under a carport, exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. What initially seemed to be a lost child would soon reveal a troubling story of abandonment. >> So, you don't know if you live nearby here? >> You don't. Okay. You don't know mommy and daddy's name? >> I do. >> Okay. What's mommy's name? >> Um Kana. >> Quana? >> But why did mommy and daddy drop you off by yourself? >> Cuz they had to go somewhere. >> They had to go somewhere. Did they tell you they would be back? >> So you don't know? >> No. >> So how long have you been here? >> Just for a minute. I just I thought that you said that you've been here since morning. [music] >> I woke up and I just came. >> Okay. From where though? >> The girl explained that earlier that morning, her mother and her mother's boyfriend had dropped her off near a nearby park. Hours passed, [music] but no one ever returned for her. Left alone with only her dog for company, she had been abandoned without food or water. The deputy's first priority was making sure the girl was safe before [music] beginning the search for the adults responsible. These should fit you perfectly. Brand new. >> Okay, girl. >> Here. Here. I'll hold her while you talk to her. Okay. >> Where are those white beadies? I got you. >> Um, so what about school? Are you in school? >> You're not in school? >> You're going to be homeschooled? >> Yeah. >> So, you never been to school before? And how old are you? You're six. >> Seven. >> They walked you to the park. >> Both mommy and daddy. >> And did they tell you they were going to be back? >> No. Okay. >> Yeah. We're going to take you for a ride. >> Would that be fun? Tell them. Tell them they better turn the lights on so you can see them. >> I can help you up. >> All right. All right. You guys good? >> Yeah. No, we just wanted to make sure she was okay. >> Yeah. >> Well, >> okay. All right. You ready? >> All right, dear. >> What's your puppy's name again? >> Ghost. >> You >> Ghost can't ride in the police car, but you're going to see Ghost once uh once you get done once we get done with our ride. You'll get to see Ghost after that. Okay. >> All right. So, I'm I'll hold on to Ghost. She's going to ride with Deputy Martin over there when I walk. >> Let's go see Deputy Martin. Come on, Deputy Martin. Where's Martin? Martin, are we going with you? >> Yes. >> This is Deputy Martin. He's my friend. Okay. >> You got to put your seatelt on. >> It somehow made sense to me. just the dead on sideways. >> We're homeless and we live in the forest. >> What does it all have to do with rooting your kid on the side of road? >> She got out of where she was at where we were staying at >> up like a dog here. >> No, I didn't. >> I have no clue. >> I was trying to go get water. >> No, that's not what what I'm trying to >> I was trying to go get water and soup. >> We have just been going through. >> You stand over here without Yeah. I'm sure. And in the end, the mother and her boyfriend were arrested and charged with desertion of a child and abandonment of an animal. Meanwhile, the girl's grandparents were contacted and arranged to take custody of her, ensuring she would be cared for after the ordeal.