A woman faced charges of child neglect after her baby was discovered left alone in a stroller at the entrance of Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood on Christmas Eve.
Local police were notified and found the infant who had been abandoned on Tuesday close to a bell desk staff member.
A little while after, the baby's mother, Rubi C. Verduzco, 29, visiting from Bethany, Oklahoma, was taken into custody regarding the event.
Diaper Was Dirty
“[The] infant [was] wearing a soiled diaper in a stroller out in the open elements,” according to a police report quoted by Florida TV station WTVJ.
Just hours prior to Christmas, three men left the child at the bell desk near the casino's Old Main Entrance and then departed. A casino worker notified the Seminole Police Department and stayed close to the child until a tribal police officer showed up.
Approximately 15 minutes later, Verduzco arrived at the bell station. It was uncertain if she returned voluntarily or was notified about the situation by law enforcement or casino staff.
An officer stated that Verduzco seemed to be intoxicated. According to the police, her eyes were teary and red, her words were slurred, and her breath reeked of alcohol.
Unaware of Child's Date of Birth
Verduzco seemed puzzled and was unaware of the child's birthdate. According to the police report, she was unable to specify “who, where, or how long she had left her baby.”
Police stated that an Oklahoma-issued medical marijuana card verified Verduzco’s identity.
Verduzco was admitted to Broward County’s Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, with bail established at $2,500.
An officer allowed Verduzco to contact a man she claimed was the father of the baby. He first informed police that he was in Oklahoma. Later, he stated that he was in Orlando, Fla., but could not assure that he would be able to collect the child from the gaming venue.
The man informed the officer that the infant should be placed in the custody of state authorities, as reported by WTVJ. Florida radio station WOOD reported that he also suggested Verduzco should be arrested.
The officer subsequently notified the Florida Department of Children and Families. The agency took custody of the child.
Local media did not disclose the child's age or gender. It was also unclear what Verduzco was doing at the casino or how the three men obtained temporary custody of the baby.
According to digital incarceration records, it seems Verduzco was set free from jail later in the week. The case was handed off to local prosecutors.