Ormond Beach, FL - A 26-year-old Ormond Beach woman is charged with Child Neglect after Ormond Beach Police officers find her young child at home alone last Thursday (August 22) night. They say Michaela Courson left the child with only an IPAD for communication while she went to an engagement party.
The child's grandmother contacted OBPD around 11:15 p.m. after she was contacted on Facebook Messenger by the child saying he was scared that someone might get in the house. The grandmother told officers that she thought Courson was out at a party. She also reported that Courson's phone was broken so there was no way to contact her.
When officers arrived on the scene, they were able to contact the child through a bedroom window. They asked the child to open the door but he was unable to do so. Police were able to gain entrance to the home through a pet entrance door on a sliding glass door. Officers said the child was in such distress when they gained entry that his grandfather had to calm him down.
The child's grandfather took custody of the child. Officers asked him if the child could take care of himself or get something to eat. He told them that the child could make cereal and microwaveable food. The grandfather also told officers that Courson leaves the child home multiple times a month.
Officers say Courson arrived home just after 1 a.m. on Friday (August 23). OBPD officers read her the Miranda Rights and arrested her. She told them that she left home at about 9:30 p.m. after putting the child to sleep. Courson also said she'd planned to only be gone for an hour and a half.
In conclusion, officers determined that the child was left without the ability to contact outside sources, exit the residence or care for himself in a routine or emergency situation. Also, the mother failed to provide supervision, medication, and food, resulting in the neglect of the child.
Courson's bond was set at $2,500. She is no longer in custody.
