Omanghana
A 29-year-old mother in North Miami Beach, Florida, has been charged with four counts of child neglect after police alleged she left her children without adult supervision while taking a cruise to the Bahamas.
Nathalie Belizaire was arrested at PortMiami on September 28 as she disembarked from the Carnival Conquest. Her children include a two-month-old infant and a two-year-old toddler. Her attorney has denied the allegations on her behalf.
According to court documents, the investigation began after the infant’s father saw a WhatsApp post on September 24 that appeared to show a Carnival cruise ticket purchase. He told investigators that Belizaire said she intended to leave the children with their great-grandmother.
When he visited her apartment on September 26, he noticed a television playing and heard the children inside. Concerned about their welfare, he called 911.
Police and fire rescue personnel forced their way into the residence and found all four children without an adult present, hiding together in a bathroom.
The children’s great-grandmother told investigators that Belizaire had discussed bringing them to her home but never did. Belizaire’s brother separately reported receiving a text message on Saturday asking him to check on the children. Investigators said the cruise had departed on September 25.
Belizaire appeared before Judge Mindy Glazer on September 29, when her bond was set at $10,000. The judge expressed concern about the allegations, particularly the infant being left without adult care.
Belizaire posted bond and was released that evening under an order requiring her to stay away from the children. Authorities said the children were safe and had been placed in foster care.
The charges are child neglect without great bodily harm. The allegations remain unproven in court.
Source: Omanghana
