Pepper, stop. Stop. >> I'm going to resist. >> You were going to end up county jail. >> You wanted a >> Are you guys arresting my mom or something? >> These children stand apart from the [music] legal debates. Yet, they remain at the heart of every outcome. >> This is like probably the fifth time he's gotten he's just out. >> I personally would like to just dig a hole into it. >> I don't know what to do right now. I'm just extremely overwhelmed. >> Just because it's small pot, you know, that doesn't make me a bad mom. When adults act from emotion, personal bias, or individual wants, children are the ones most affected, carrying the impact long after the moment has passed. When a 4-year-old boy is walking alone on the street, where are the adults? This situation offers a difficult answer. >> Do you know how long he's been missing? >> We went to bed around 7:00. >> On October 5th, 2024, authorities received a call about a 4-year-old [music] boy walking alone on the street without supervision. Officers responded quickly and spoke with nearby neighbors to understand what had happened. >> He's This is like probably the fifth time he's gotten He's just out. >> You said he came over your fence. >> Oh, yeah. He over our over here. He was in our backyard and thankfully we have three dogs, so thankfully our dogs weren't outside. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. He climbed over our fence. I've already put a lock on it because he'll unlock it and go in our backyard and he I looked out here one time and he was just running up and down the road and the dad normally he's like, "Oh, I don't know how he got out." We're like, "Open the door. That's how he got out. you need to put a lock on your door. And he doesn't. And we hear him screaming all the time at him. And I mean, I look I gave him goldfish cuz I don't He said he was hungry, but he has a diaper full of And so I don't I don't know how long he's been outside. Yeah, she knows. He goes in their yard, too. >> She's from this. >> He lives in that other one. He just He walks up and down the road all the time. He told me his dad left for a while, so I don't even know if he's in there. >> Okay. Who Who all lives there? >> I don't actually know. >> Okay. Cuz I know I know they they've been to that house, but I haven't. So, >> um I don't know. I don't I know his name is Messiah. I don't know how old he is. He's not too sure how old he is, but it's I know he's come over here six times. I don't know how many times he's been over to you guys. >> Yeah, he's only been in my backyard, but I've actually seen him in the neighborhood and then Sarah a couple houses down came and knocked on her door one time. She was at her house. >> Oh, yeah. Well, he runs right behind cars and I'm like, dude, >> we control him. It's so sad though. >> Can you hear him screaming at him? >> Some of the time you've been to >> Yeah, we came here for like a 91 phone. Dad was like, "Did >> you guys leave that room?" >> Sleeping open the door. Kind of got aggressive with um I think it's only him that lives there with the kid. >> He was. >> How long has he been here? Where was he in the in your backyard? >> 20 minutes ago. My niece was like, "There's a kid in your backyard." And he knocked on his door, right? >> Oh, I knocked on the doors, on the windows. He's not answering. He said he went for a walk. He said the guy went for a walk. Normally, he tells me he's sleeping, but he told me the guy went for a walk. So, I don't even know if he's in there. >> Is daddy sleeping or walking? >> He's walking. >> I don't know. I asked. >> When officers arrived at the family's home, initial contact was challenging because there was no response from the father. >> That's probably where he came out of. >> He's sleeping in there. Sir, excuse me, sir. Can you come to the front door? >> Hey, go to the front door. >> Palm Bay Police Department. >> What? >> Open the front door. >> Yeah. >> Palm Bay Police Department. Can you open the front door? >> Yeah. Hold on. I'm sorry. >> He's coming. He's coming. >> No, he got up. He's coming. Yeah, you know where your son is. >> After the door was opened, he seemed disoriented and gave unclear explanations about how his child had left the house. This raised concerns about his awareness and ability to handle the situation at that moment. >> I'm I'm calling for him now. >> Well, I know where he is, so he's not in the house. >> Excuse me. >> I know where he is. >> Okay. >> He is not in the house. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. How did you get out? >> Come check the house. >> Well, I'm pretty sure it was from that uh ripped screen that's in your bedroom. >> Do you know how long he's been missing? >> We went to bed around 7:00. Okay. >> And where's he at? >> He's with a neighbor. >> They tried they they knocked on your door. They tried getting you up and when they couldn't uh he said that you went on a walk. >> I went on a walk. >> That's what he said. So, um once he said that, they called us. >> I appreciate it. >> All right. So, um >> do you have an ID on you? >> Sure. >> Do you have an ID? Do I have I What the is this? Bring my son over here. My name is Garnio. My number is 33 3845. >> Okay. I'm not sure why you're yelling. >> But you coming up ask me these questions. I'm a sergeant in the Marine Corps. That's not my ID. I need to give you >> car registered to you. >> Excuse me. >> Is the car registered to you? >> The the truck? >> Yeah, the vehicle registered to you. >> Thank you. It is. >> Okay. Hang tight for him. >> Where's my son at? >> He's just wait. >> I'm going to wait for my son. >> Okay. >> Sir, >> just >> can you not yell this? >> We've located your son. He's okay. Got a neighbor's house. We'll get you. >> Just you cause a disturbance, you're going to go to jail. >> I'm going to jail. Look, >> you cause a disturbance, you're going to end up at the Bvard County Jail. Are we clear? >> No, I'm not clear with that. >> Well, I'm being very clear with you right now. So, I'm supposed to look look look like like my son ain't missing. >> We have located your son. He is okay. Your son is safe. >> What I need you to do >> is be respectful to these officers while we deal with this situation. >> Being respectful of these officers. Yes. I'm being respectful of these officers. >> Okay. >> I'm being respectful of you. >> Okay. Well, based on my personal opinion, you appear to be under the influence >> of what? >> I can't tell you exactly, but you appear to be under the influence. You're slurring your speech. You're unable to walk straight. >> Man, I just got woke woke up. >> Okay. And I was also out here last week cuz you left your car running all night and I had to turn off your car for you. >> You never have to come over here to turn my car. >> That's a goddamn lie. >> I got body cam video for you. >> Show me the body cam to jail. >> I never left my car. >> And we've been here several times for 911 hang-ups because your kid's playing on the phone and you're falling asleep. >> Officers have been called to this address before regarding concerns about supervision. This time combined with a limited cooperation, they decided [music] to address the matter carefully to make sure the child would be safe. >> What you just said right there is a goddamn lie. >> Give me on body cam footage of this. >> Find your back. >> I'm No, you're not. You're going to jail. >> Put your shirt on. >> I got this. Stop acting. Stop. Stop. Stop. >> I'm not You are going to end up in county jail. >> Are we clear? Stop resisting. I'm not going to tell you again. Yes, you are. You're tensing up. Stop. You're >> pulling away. Stop. >> You have some shorts I can grab for you. >> Excuse me. >> Do you have shorts I can grab for you? >> I can get >> No, you can't. Not at this moment. You cannot. I'm trying to be nice. I'm trying to give you some some some pants to wear. >> I have shorts. >> Where? >> In my bedroom. >> Do you want me to grab them for you? >> Can I um uh go on in short? >> All right. Thanks. Yes, >> I didn't. >> Okay, you you push me over this way. >> We're not pushing you. We're going to walk you down. >> The lady who's pushing me. >> Okay. >> Come on. >> I'll set it for you. >> Can I get my keys? I'll get your keys for you. I'll do everything that you need to do. Come on. >> All right. Come on. >> First second car. >> The one we're walking to. >> That's second car. I'm not resisting for a goddamn thing. >> What are you doing? Turn around. >> I'm walking to the side so you can open the door. >> We have to search you. Can you pace the vehicle, please? >> You have pockets in the front? >> Yeah, they're in the front. >> I need to know where my son is. >> Is that a neighbor's house? >> Neighbor's house. Ain't this a [ __ ] So, >> I'm being arrested for what? I don't know if we're going to ask him if there's a parent another parent close by >> 10:15 for >> Yeah, that's a child. He has a duty and responsibility to be caring for that child and he's highly under the influence and allowing the kid >> sitting in a diaper for how long? >> I would also indicate that. >> Yeah. >> And we were out here last week. Document that I came out last week for his vehicle running for multiple hours that was called in by neighbors attempt to make contact with him and he wouldn't wake up out of the back bedroom. And then also I would document in there that we've been out here for several multiple 911 calls where his child is called in on 911 because he's under the influence and passed out. >> The father was charged with child without great bodily harm. Under Florida law, he could face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. When young children are in situations where they should be protected and when adults are prepared to watch, listen, and respond in time. We do more than keep one child safe. We help create a safer and more supportive community for everyone. Jewish people are known for meaningful contributions to society. However, individuals make their own choices and this story describes a situation that does not reflect those positive values. >> You're going to be arrested. Okay? Uh what you did is illegal. It's immoral and it's unethical. >> This man, Levi Cash, 64, from Miami, Florida, described himself as a rabbi, a teacher, and a homeschool tutor. Roles usually connected with guidance, ethics, and community trust. According to investigative records, the case began on September [music] 17th, 2025 when Levi Cash joined an online conversation through a social app using a different name. [music] The discussion later moved to private messages where the other person stated they were underage. Despite this, [music] he allegedly continued communicating in an inappropriate manner and talked about meeting in person. In the messages, he reportedly mentioned his teaching background in connection with the meeting, referring to the person as [music] his next student. The following morning, Cash drove more than 70 mi from Miami to Delray Beach. A meeting place was discussed inside a Target [music] store, including details about where to wait and what items would be bought. While standing [music] in the toy section and speaking on the phone with the person he expected to meet, Cash was approached by Dustin Lampro, [music] an online safety activist working with a group that raises awareness about child protection. With you being a rabbi, a teacher, an instructor, two young children, how can you tell me that you're not a threat? If you're willing to meet a 14-year-old for sex, you drove all the way down here. >> Yeah, that was very stupid to do. >> Very stupid, right? >> Yeah. Extremely. >> You wanted the bottom. What does that mean? What does bottom mean? I'm not familiar with this term. What does that mean? Explain it. >> That means the active person is the guy on top and the bottom is the one. >> And you wanted a bottom. You wanted a for you. >> That's what you wanted? >> Shortly afterward, police arrived, separated those involved, [music] and began documenting the situation. >> Hello, my friend. >> Hi there, sir. Um, who is >> Just walk me through it. Who is the uh who who called it? >> I called you guys. You >> PC. >> Okay, sir. Do me a favor, my friend. >> What is uh your first name? >> Dustin Lampro. >> Dustin Lampros. Okay. Beautiful. And then just raise your right hand for a second. where the following statements you're about to give is true. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. All right. So, >> all right. So, tell me what happened. >> This gentleman right here, 64, his name's Levi Cash. He came here to pick up a 14-year-old for and he drove here um was going to buy a condom and loom once he saw the 14-year-old and uh he was going to meet him by the game. He was going to meet him by the gaming section. And so, we walked over. He was in the gaming section on the phone with our decoy, the decoys people versus pres. They notified me that he was talking to what he thought was a 14-year-old and came here to pick him up for. We approached them, asked him some questions, and you guys showed up. Okay. Beautiful. Okay. Uh, do you got your ID for me? Any statement can be and will be used against you in the court of law. Do you understand that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you understand all your rights as I've read them to you? >> Yes. >> Okay. Beautiful. So, I'm going to put this away just cuz we have to get that. So, now the reason I'm here today is because there's an allegation made. >> Ryan, I got this. There's an allegation that's been made that um that you were going to come here and that you had intentions of picking up a minor for relations. Can you give me your side of the story to that allegation? >> I came here not exactly knowing what I was going to do. >> All right. Well, keep in mind keep in mind that they have both recorded and any written state. So, I'm I'm asking you to be honest and truthful with me because I just need to know in other words, you know, this is your chance now to explain to me what you were doing here because I guess you don't even live in this area, right? No. >> So, you drove up here. What was the intentions of driving up here this week? >> Meeting somebody. >> Okay. Meeting. meeting a boy who said his name. >> Okay. And how old was this boy? >> This boy at first he told me he was 19 and then he told me he was 14. >> And then when he told you he was 14, you were still coming to meet him. >> Okay. >> Here in Target. >> In Target. Was there any particular spot in Target that you were supposed to meet the 14? >> He said by the by the games. >> Okay. By the games. Okay. All right. And then did you go into Target and go by the game area? All right. And that's where their videos are going to show you that you were in Target in by the game. Okay. >> Okay. All right. Let me >> And they made statements that they weren't going to call the police that they you know >> I feel a little bit like >> Well, they definitely tricked you. They definitely tricked you, but you were about to do something very evil. So, with that with that being said, let me just talk to my supervisor for a second over here. >> I'm trying to keep >> Yeah. Yeah. That's right. >> All right. Levi, >> this is what's going to happen. I need you just stand up for me. I'm gonna have you put your hands behind your back. >> No, give me one second. I will give these back to you. Just give me >> Are you putting cuffs on me? >> I am going to be putting cuffs on you. Okay. >> Why? >> You're going to be arrested. Okay. What you did is illegal. >> It's immoral and it's unethical. >> I know. Wait, you you got to stand up. The quicker I get you out of here, the less embarrassing it is for you because right now it's probably going to cause a scene. >> And my car is here. >> Okay. >> Your car is legally parked. That's fine. Let me have you turn around. Put your hands behind your back. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Of course. I'm going to actually use two cuffs. This where we don't hear it. Take off this watch first if you don't mind. >> And you're going to take me and put me. >> Yes. >> Can you see if his phone's ringing through here? >> His phone right now. Are you calling his phone? >> You have another phone? >> Oh, >> this guy's a teacher. >> Based on that my investigation. >> All right. Yeah. Yeah. I'm going to go ahead and uh put a put a CS here. Let me have you put your ears behind your back. >> Another one. >> Okay. >> Teacher, guys. >> All right. >> A rabbi. Sir, I'm not going to hurt you or anything like that. I'm just going to >> All right. Brian, >> can you assist me so that I get out of here still at my 5:00 bag here? >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. >> So, hold on one second. What's his name? >> Right now, you're being detained. Give me one second. Let me just >> Levi, you can have a seat for one second. Well, here. Watch out. You're going to >> move to the side. Yep. Right there. Sit down. Right there. >> Officers collected a phone, message records, audio [music] files, video, and store surveillance footage. Cash was initially released while the investigation continued. During this time, he appeared upset and embarrassed about the incident. He has a pass. He said, "Can you let this slide?" >> All right. And then just let me kill you for a second because I do have to make sure I have to send you an email >> so that I can get you to upload any evidence you've got to evidence.com or ask someone. >> I can't I just send you the Google Drive link or the decoy will >> What's that? >> Um that's Yeah. Send uh whatever email you send myself and decoy upload the whole video. >> No, that's Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's only >> if you just can't go on accident. That's what you can't go and ask. >> No, the the the link won't. So, usually whoever the whoever the heads officer is, we send the whole link to you guys directly to your email because the link we have won't go won't upload there cuz you would have to load each picture individually on there. So, this is >> we might have to go through the detective route because I am the least techsavvy guy in the world. >> Yeah. Just whoever's email you want me to send it to. That's it. That's all. >> Okay. Um and then so what's your name? >> Dustin Lampro. >> How you spell last name? >> L A M P R O S. >> L A M P R O S. >> Yeah. and your neighbor. >> For right now, you're just detained. You're not going to get arrested right now. We're going to continue their investigation. >> All right, Levi, you're going to come with me. Okay. >> I'm going to walk you through your vehicle. >> You're going to be released on scene for right now. >> Okay. >> We just need to get some additional information from you. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> No. No. Do you have to work for walking it with these? No. >> Yeah. Where's your car? >> Down. >> Which one? How far down the road? >> It's too far down the road for me. I can't >> What you mean too far down the road? >> No, I should have parked closer. >> Just watch your step over here. >> I know. >> I'm sorry. >> Listen, man. That I'm not going to lie. I mean, I'm being very nice to you and I'm respecting you. >> What you were going to do, that's very evil. >> I just did. They seem to keep falling. >> They keep falling. >> Stay still for a second. >> There you go. >> 911. >> That guy's like, "Why is that cop randomly?" >> South County is giving him >> all the way back here. >> That's what he said. She's making us walk. Also, there are alert for you guys. >> Which one? >> Okay. >> All right. Hang out right here for a second. Undo your cuffs here. Turn around. What is the passcode for the phone that we collected from you? Like the code to get in it >> I know when I do it. It's 17. >> Do you need to see it to do it? >> 1743 4. >> Let me write that down. >> Do 174340. Is that right? >> 174340. >> 174340. Do you have the phone on you? You want to try it? >> Yes. Well, yeah, but we're going to try the code first on that one. >> And they were going to give me a receipt first. >> Yeah, we're going to give you receipt. >> Yeah, we're getting that. >> Okay, hold on one second. >> Put the You put the cuffs on. Thank you so much for not making it too tight. >> Oh, you're welcome. I'm going to treat you like a I'm going to treat you respectfully >> and I'm trying to be respectful to you. >> I'm trying not to do anything stupid. Although, >> please please don't. >> I personally would like to just dig a hole and fall into it. >> I understand that. And then what happens? I'm going to have a court appearance. >> So, no, what's going to happen is one of our detectives is going to reach out to you >> and then we go from there. >> Okay. >> And will he meet with me? >> It's a she and I'm not sure. And maybe over the phone, maybe in person, I don't know. >> Okay. Wherever I have to go. Okay. >> I guess it depends on what you find. >> Yeah. I don't I don't know. I don't know. I mean, I'm sure we're not going to find good stuff. I mean, you know, you you even admitted to that? >> Not with kids. Not with kids. All the kids. This was the only >> Everything else was above. >> Okay. >> A lot of stupidity. >> Okay. If it's over, do these guys need to be recording stuff? >> They're They're going to Yeah, they're going to be here till we get you out of here. But that's why we're also here as well. also watch. >> I know they're here to protect the public, but I think I have some rights also. >> They're they're not violating any of your rights. If they were violating your rights, we would let them know, >> right? But when they started, they didn't tell me that they were recording. >> Okay. Now, how do you do? >> You're correct. You're correct. And >> you know what? You've got me right to rights, but you know, I'm going to cooperate with them. I just He's having that hospital >> and I'm going to get the help that I need. >> So, um um just go ahead and have a seat in your car, please. And just roll the window down if you don't mind. >> Thank you, sir. >> You can't roll it down. You got to turn them off. >> No, turn them on. Yeah, you can turn them on. >> It used to be You couldn't. >> Yeah, I >> This is so terrible. >> Just have a seat right there. It's okay, sir. Just have a seat right there. >> Just give us one second, okay? because we're going to give you a receipt for the uh for the phones. Okay, just bear with us. No problem. >> Now, sir, >> the other to test my the phone I use. >> Listen, we're going one case at a time, right? I wish to the other fellow. >> Okay, give me one second. One second. Listen, the best thing you can do right now, like I said before, it is if you have a medical condition, do you need medical assistance right now? >> No, I do not. >> Okay, that's fine. I I get it. So, my advice to you, my advice to you is to either a contact your doctor, your doctor, whoever, because there's other ways that you can monitor your Absolutely. Absolutely. There's a lot of things that I wish I can do for you, but right now my hands are tight. So, that's the best outcome for you right now. Just be patient because the detective will contact you and then we can go from there. Okay. >> Where's my my license? >> Uh the office is going to give I think we give it to Y. >> Okay. Sorry. I'm just a little >> That's okay, sir. >> That's okay, sir. There's nothing you can do to fix what just happened. Just focus on what's going to happen next. A detective will contact you. You were very honest. Hopefully, you will remain the same with her. >> Yes. and go from there. I cannot give you any more answers because I don't have them. That's that's that's all, sir. >> On September 19th, after reviewing the evidence [music] and statements, authorities issued a formal arrest warrant. Levi Cash then faced legal action. >> Mr. uh Cash, do you have your ID on you? Mr. Bill, yes. Thank you. Just going to listen to this young man over here. >> How you doing, sir? Can I just take a break? >> Do me a favor. Put your hands behind your back. >> Did you set up your hand for me? You said that. >> I understand that. >> Look, man. >> We're going to explain everything. I'm just so I just said I should come pick up. >> Yes. Fortunately, you're not getting your phones today. >> And I'm being put into >> Yes, you're being arrested. We have an arrest warrant for you signed by a judge. >> I I don't know why you didn't tell me that over the phone. >> Would have come a different day because of the Sabbath tonight. >> Unfortunately, sir, that's not how it works. I understand that. But time >> I I voluntarily came in. I mean, >> absolutely. And we appreciate that. >> But I came under I came under false pretenses though. I I understand. I understand where you're coming from. I was very >> Do you have anything like that? >> Yeah, I do. >> Don't worry. I got to just right here. >> Yeah. And my >> in the card is my to check my blood. I'm diabetic. >> About your card. Do you want your family to come pick up your car? Do you want us to tow it? >> They can't come pick it up now because of the Sabbath. >> So, do you want us to tow it? >> Tow it where? >> To a tow yard? >> No. >> Have them pick it up there. >> You're arresting me now for how long? >> But that's not up to us. >> Yeah, that that's up to the judge to be able to set if he wants to set a bond or not. You'll probably see the judge first thing in the morning. >> Can I let my wife know? >> Yes, >> I'm here. We can let her know. We don't allow You can make a phone call from the county jail. >> That's where you take me. >> That's where this officer is going to take you. Yeah. You can call her and let her know. >> Can we get my blood monitor out of the car? >> Yes. >> We'll send it up to county jail with you. If you want us to contact your wife prior to you getting to county jail, we'd be happy to do that for you. >> Can I call on the phone? >> When you get to county jail, which for our safety, we don't allow anyone to make phone calls prior to getting to county jail. >> Turn this off for you. I don't know how to work iPhones. >> So, >> do you need any phone numbers from you or do you know the phone numbers off? >> I know my wife's phone number. It's an 818 number. >> Okay. Do you need it or do you know about We can get it for you. >> I know it. >> Okay. >> And I'm going to go ahead and just turn it off. This is going to go with you. >> I wish you would have. >> I understand, but I can't do that for the integrity of the case. >> Will you explain to me now what's going on? >> Sure. I mean, you were you were you were there yesterday and then I got probable cause and I got an arrest warrant signed by a judge today. >> Okay. So, >> but wouldn't it been nice to let me know and >> we don't do that. >> Give me an option of turning myself in. >> That's not how this works, unfortunately. >> Cuz I could have told my wife. I I left home thinking that I'm coming again. So, we've given you the option of you can wait till you get to the county and they put you in a cell and you can call her or we can notify her and let her know that you're on your way to county jail >> and then you'll be here. >> Probably won't be able to call her for a few hours because >> look, I'm really this was a big big mistake and I was kind of entrapped to go there and nothing ended up happening cuz people were entrapping me there. >> That's something that you're going to have to talk to your attorney when you get one. Okay. >> All right. So, um, >> so do you want to give us your wife's phone number so we can contact her prior to 7:00 p.m.? >> I I guess I have to. >> You don't have to. >> You don't have to do anything. >> No, but then another possibility pass. >> It's going to be so much. [snorts] I came up just to I would have come in. Levi Cash was charged with traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sexual act and unlawful use of a two-way communications device. Prosecutors stated that if [music] convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. This case highlights the importance of awareness, education, and adult responsibility in protecting young people in today's digital world, where timely attention and care can help prevent risky situations. >> I'm very close with my kid, and I thought I was just doing the right thing and protecting her. There are moments when a parent's love feels so overwhelming that someone forgets where they are standing and where the boundaries are. On August 15th, 2024, authorities were called after a physical confrontation at a school bus stop involving several students. At first, it [music] seemed like a disagreement between children, something that can happen in a school setting. However, the situation grew more serious when an adult arrived and stepped in, pushing the matter beyond the school's authority and requiring official involvement. >> What's up, Well, there's two garages, so she could be here. It's Thursday. She does work. A destination to get to one night. She had a dog, right? >> I think it was a bigger dog. >> Sheriff's office. >> Hi. Um my mom my mom's not here right now. She had to go run it. But >> can you have her come back with you yet? >> Uh yeah, I can't >> kind of important >> on three. >> What's like Why is it important? >> Are you guys arresting my mom or something? >> No, she was just involved. >> We have to talk to both of you guys. >> It's kind of important to do it over time. >> Well, letting you know like my mom was defending herself. She was not her. that we still need to talk. We >> I just like I just not even trying to have my mom rest >> cuz this at all was not her fault. Like this crazy started and my mom was trying to get her off me and then she starts hitting her and my mom is like trying to get her off of her like off of her and like she's pulling her hair and my mom didn't hit her. All she was doing was trying to get her off of her like and she was like backing her away like go home like get away and then she this girl hits her in the face with a metal water bottle. I could show you guys pictures of my mom's face if you need that. This is what her face looks like from the water bottle. And I don't know if that girl can get in trouble since she's younger, but this is what her face looked like. So I don't know. >> Do you know where your mom is? >> She said she's coming now. >> Yeah. So I don't know. Do you guys want me to like wait out here or >> How old are you? >> I'm 15 turning 16. >> Yeah, we have to wait. Technically, we have to wait until mom says you're good. We can't >> Okay. >> Ask any question has to be present. I'll be right back. >> Yeah. You want me to say no to you or >> No, you can actually >> while we wait for mom. >> Yeah, you can go inside while we wait for mom. We'll we'll be we'll be at the end of the driveway. Because the situation needed clarification, when the mother returned home, officers gathered information and advised the family to be mindful about public statements so the process would not be affected. >> Hi. >> Hello. >> Sorry. >> Um, I'm Deputy Coma, Flag County Sheriff's Office. All I'm going to be doing is just getting uh Do you have your ID on you? >> Yeah. >> So I can get your uh license number. >> Do you need my daughter out here? >> Uh, yes. and other deputies are going to come out here and speak to you >> and get statements. So, I would retract from saying anything you know about the incident. >> Wait, don't say anything? >> Yeah, just uh because other deputies are to you. Uh yeah, we're we're getting ready to leave. Other deputies are going to come here and talk to you and they're they're going to make you fill out statements. >> Are they like going to come? Cuz I'm I was on the way to do something. >> Yeah. No, no, no. They're on their way. >> Oh, okay. >> They're on their way. I just need your daughter's full name and date of birth and she goes to FPC, correct? And I'm going to need your phone number. Do >> you want it now? >> Uh, yes, please. And what's your daughter's full name? >> Do you have like a learner's permit or >> Yeah, >> you do? >> Yeah. Well, like it's like it's something. It's not really a permit. >> Oh, it's a ID card. ID card. >> Does that work? >> Okay. No, that's fine. I can just look you up through this um through our systems. Um any any photos you guys have of Cuz it's >> Yeah, my face >> it's it's it's delayed. It's better when they're when everything's fresh. >> Oh, can I just send you the pictures now? >> Yes, please. Uh, I have my work phone. I have my work phone number. >> Uh, okay. Okay. What is it? >> It's 203. >> No, no, no, no. That's personal. Erase that. Sorry. Every documentation you have of the incident, just send it my way. >> Yeah. I didn't know because you guys, not you. I'm just saying like I waited for a while and then I left cuz I had stuff. >> Yeah, it was kind of a It was kind of a rabbit >> at their house first. Yeah, we had to go to a bunch of different houses, talked to and we haven't talked to everybody yet. So, uh, from my understanding, >> did you you talked to the the people we got into a fight with? Like >> I talked I talked to a majority of people involved. That's all I can say. Uh, some other deputies are going to come here and talk to you and they're just going to get documentation like statements. >> Yeah. >> And all of it's going to be forwarded to me and it's going to be >> So, you're the one that's going to be taking care of it? >> Yeah. It's going to be an ongoing investigation. So, let's not make any statements. So, I'll make any spontaneous utterances. I'm going to be taking care of this whole thing. >> Um, I'm going to make sure that the deputies come here, talk to you guys in depth about everything involved and we can work from there. But you you will you will be hearing from me and school resource deputies will get contacted and other shifts deputies will get contacted for security at bus stops. >> I was just about to say that deter I mean tomorrow is her birthday so I'm going to drive her and pick her up. >> Okay. Okay, that's great. Um, just to deter any further incident. highly suggest no contact being made if you have them on social media. Uh phone numbers. >> Yeah, already. They're already blocked. I have >> everything blocked. Everything block including you with the parents. >> I don't even have their numbers. >> Okay, that's that is fine. And then we can uh thorough this going to be a thorough ongoing investigation until we get everybody's witness statements, all all video footage of everything that was recorded. >> Video, too. >> I have a majority of it. When the deputies arrive on scene, make sure you share all that with them and everything will get forwarded to me. It's under the same case number. They can provide that case number to you and then we'll work from there. Okay. I appreciate everyone's time. When those deputies come on, make sure everything is thoroughly said. They'll swear you to your statements and everything. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Good. Thank you. >> All right. No problem. >> After that, officers continued reviewing the situation for several days. A few days later, they returned to speak with the mother. From there, the story is told from her perspective as she tries to explain, "I did not mean for things to go this far." >> Hey, Catherine. >> Yes. >> It's Deputy Coma. >> Hi. Can I get um I just got I'm undressed. Can I get change real quick? >> Yes. Yes, you may. >> Hey, Cather. So, obviously you know me. I'm Deputy Coma. >> Yeah. I tried calling you. Uh, I I've been off since Friday. So, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I was off. I want to talk to you about Thursday's incident. >> Okay. >> And before I do so, this doesn't mean that you're in any trouble. I'm going to read you your Miranda rights. Okay. Yet again, I'm Deputy Coma, and my inquiry is about Thursday's physical disturbance that occurred on the intersection of Honey Tree and Mahogany. These are your rights. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say may be used as evidence against you. Do you understand these rights? >> Yes. >> With these rights in mind, are you willing to talk to me? >> Uh, yes. give me a brief explanation out of your point of view of what occurred on Thursday afternoon. >> Like tell you from A to B the whole thing. >> Okay. So, I'm out shopping. I get a text. My daughter didn't have her phone cuz it got taken away. Text me on someone's phone on the bus saying, "Katie's trying to fight me. Can you meet me at the bus stop?" And in my mind, I'm like, "Okay, so I'm rushing to get back there." Just thinking in my in my mind, I'm thinking, "You're going to see an adult there. nothing's gonna happen at all. Like, I just thought me being present at least was going to deescalate the situation and it didn't. So, >> all right. So, as Aubrey's coming off the bus, you see her, she's kind of shouting, correct? >> And then, uh, another kid comes off and then Katie comes off the bus. >> What did you hear? Like did you hear any words exchanged between them or anything like that or >> I heard uh >> cuz they seem to be like actively verbally yelling. >> They were yelling at each other. It's all kind of like a I'm still kind of like overwhelmed with all this but um uh it was something like someone do you want to run with it or do you want to run? I don't know whatever the term was meaning like fight. Do you want to run with it? I told Katie to stop like we're not doing this. Then Kristen, her sister, got in my face, told me not to call her ghetto, but the way she was talking to my daughter was just ghetto. It's what I said. And I told her to just leave. I said that we're not doing this. They just started both going at it. So, I was trying to protect my kid. And if I wasn't there, I had two sisters against her. But I wasn't planning on doing any of that. >> Okay. >> I just want to make that very clear. Like, I feel like I do. I feel terrible. I've never had any of this crap happening to me. >> Okay. At what point did you Sorry, correction. They're calling us over the radio. Um, did you get physical with any of them? And at what point did when did you >> Probably when I took her down to the ground. >> Okay. >> And I told her to let go of me cuz she had my hair. >> Okay. Can you explain to me if you made any like physical contact, like a push, grab? >> I grabbed her >> to get her off my kid. >> Okay. >> But then after that, it was just honestly like a blur. Like I've never falked before my whole entire life. Where on Katie's body did you like approximate like where did you grab her or push her or >> in the video? It looks like I grabbed her from like here. >> Okay. >> Just to and I didn't push her. Like I've seen the video. >> No, I'm just saying like some examples to throw at you just so you can >> I didn't want to I really like I really feel like like I feel absolutely like it's really embarrassing on my part. I get it on the adult, but I'm trying to make sure my kid was okay. >> Okay. >> Um I'm like stressed. Yeah, >> I am stressed. Um, uh, >> I mean, we're here to talk with you, so you can >> Oh, I'm like I was freaking out the whole weekend. >> Yeah, >> I couldn't focus. I don't I don't even know what I should say right now. >> And if you do if you feel like you do not want to talk to us any further, you're more than welcome. >> I don't know what's going to happen cuz it's like giving me like I'm about to have a mental breakdown. >> Right now, nothing's happening. We're just talking. If you feel like you don't want >> so I can still go to work or do you want me to right now tell my work I can't go in right now cuz I I'm in the process of getting ready? No, right now you're detained about the incident on Thursday. >> So, call them. >> Um, not not so far. We can we can arrange that, but I just want to know more about that. And like like you said, if you feel like you're not comfortable with talking to us right now, you like in the Miranda warning said, you can stop talking to us at any point. >> I just want this done and over with. >> Okay. >> In this story, it's clear that many people were affected. The mother appears to be carrying heavy pressure from public judgment after the incident to emotional strain and financial worries. >> Throughout the altercation, does that mean you do not want to talk to us any further? You just saying you >> I don't think I >> All right. Throughout the, you know, altercation, did at any point are you trying to pull Aubrey away from Katie and exit the fight and get in your car and get out of there? >> Yeah, I did that at the end. And then um after someone with the motorcycle helmet, I don't know if you've seen the video, that's when I'm saying go like get out. It's done and over with. That's when she came up to me and clunkked me in the face with the Stanley Cup. I went to the hospital to get CAT scans as well. Can't like open my mouth all the way. But um but I didn't do I didn't in my mind I felt like, okay, it's done and over with. Let's go. And then you see her grabbing it and she hits me right directly in my jaw. And I didn't do anything after that. >> 100%. >> What did they say in the hospital? um just a lot ofing. I I was just doing it because I was scared because I couldn't open my mouth. I couldn't even brush my teeth, right? >> And I didn't want any clots. I didn't want any of that. Um I don't even have insurance. So now I'm in $3,000 deep now. But um I don't know. I'm just uh So >> they said Did they say anything was broken like jaw or >> No. Thank god. >> Was it on It was on your left side, right? >> Yeah. Right here. >> Pull your hair back on. I know they took pictures the other day, but it still could still look full. >> Yeah. >> Did they give you any medications? So, >> they gave me um I wasn't going to pay for it cuz I could just take it at home, but they gave me there at the hospital. They gave me um a nausea pill and a percoet, and I don't take those, but I did it because of the pain. >> Okay. >> Um I don't know what to do right now. I'm just extremely >> overwhelmed. All right. Did they diagnose you with a concussion or anything like that? And they gave you all the, you know, >> just said they keep like if I felt like the symptoms or any of that. I have the paperwork. >> Do you care if we look at the paperwork? It's your medical stuff, so I don't want >> I mean, I don't think it really has much on it, but uh I just did it just to have on record. >> Okay. >> But they were going to give >> You're okay with it? >> Yeah. >> They were going to give me like ibuprofen 500 or some or 800, whatever it is, a strong one. But I'm like I don't like taking pills, so I'm like I'll just do something at home. >> And where do you work? Don't mind me asking. >> Brentwood Tavern in Orman. >> Okay. Uh on the US one US1 ship you pregnant? >> No. >> That was like the first thing that was on here. So I was like [snorts] >> Yeah. So I can get the cats. >> I guess that makes sense. I guess lots of big words. >> They have some fancy words to say swallowing and bruising. >> Yeah, exactly. >> It's like type it to where I can read it. >> Like I was calling you as well to press charges, but then I I don't know if I want to. I I want this to just be like I don't know. >> You've been very forthcoming with us so we're going to be the same way. You've been you've been great with us. >> I just really really like I really don't want like anything to happen to me cuz I have I mean the school already telling me I can't I might not be able to drive my daughter to school and stuff. That's a little embarrassing and she's all I got and [snorts] I'm all she's got. So this whole thing just sucks. Even so, strict legal boundaries can mean that trying to protect a child may still cross a line. In this case, while standing up for her own child, she went beyond what is legally allowed when dealing with another family's child. >> Are you against us making a copy of this and giving it back to you? >> You can say no. I just want >> No, you can take it. >> So, here's here's where where we're at. Did you ever put your arm around her neck? >> Probably to take her down. I don't I really don't remember because it it it was so like my adrenaline was like I didn't even think. All I know is I had kids screaming on the bus saying you're gonna you got beat by a teenager and I was like freaking out and I was just not to anyone. This was at home >> and I was telling Aubrey, my daughter, I was like I hope everyone realizes I'm 34, she's 17. I'm not going to fight her when I'm a lot stronger than this girl. So, I pretty much had to take it to the face and everything and my hair pulled, but I I don't know. Nothing hurt at the at the time cuz I guess I was so overwhelmed. What like this was not what I was expecting at all. I thought an adult being there was going to deescalate everything and it did not. She did not care. >> So, we'll arrange for you to call work. >> Do you have your ID on you? >> Yeah, >> you are you are going to go to jail today. Uh, but not that this may or may not make you feel better. So is she. Um, don't text or anything to anybody that yet because we want to get her at school and not have her leave because you might tell somebody. Just don't tell your daughter anything. >> I just picked up a shift. I got to call home. >> We'll work with you. >> I literally just picked up her shift. I just got to call my boss. >> Hey Christie. No. Um, I'm calling right now. I have the sheriff's here. Uh, I can't make it to work. I'm sorry. Okay. >> Um, >> well, let me just try to give you our side so maybe it'll answer most of them for you. >> Okay. >> You're going to go to jail. You're going to be charged with some form of child abuse, which is essentially the same as a fight, but because she's a minor, they call it child. >> So, am I going to be in jail for a while? I would say you'll probably be there until first appearance tomorrow morning and they'll give you a bond and then if you can make the bond then you can you can go from there like if you have family members leaving. >> How much is the bond? >> That is set by the judge. They look at it as a whole the severity of the crime and all the circumstances around it. >> Do you have somebody at home that can watch your daughter? >> So are you here to by yourself? >> Well I got my boyfriend but he'll be at work. You have another family member or something? >> I don't have anyone. >> I know the last time came to check on Aubrey. I think she was suspended or something >> probably. >> Oh, yeah. One of you guys. How far is that? >> How far is what? >> Wasn't she at your dad's house? >> Oh, that's in hotel. >> I knew she wasn't here. She was at family. >> And she's like considered a caretaker to your dad. Correct. >> No, he's getting better. >> Okay. I'm just recalling from the last >> scenario. Do you trust her alone? >> I don't know. I called the school just before. So >> that mean like do you trust her to stay here and go to school and take care of herself? >> Well, I got my boyfriend here to be >> I just want to make sure that you were comfortable with that if that ended up being a There might be a scenario where you get a bond right away. Sometimes you don't though, so I just want to make sure you think of everything. >> I I don't know what else to do. >> Well, um, do you want us to let her know? >> I know she's going to be heartbroken. I mean, I just I would almost rather tell her while she's in school with the school resource deputy and she can take as much time as she needs before she goes back to class. >> Yeah, I just feel like nauseous right now. >> I get it. >> Um >> Um, look, I know I'm kind of repeating what you said. It's embarrassing. You are the you are the adult. I have kids, but I've also never seen my kid actively in a fight. So, I I I would like to think that I would grab my kid and throw him in the car and leave and not the other kid. I also was not there at the same time that you were. So, you're going to have to, you know what I mean? You You're going to have to explain that part on your own. But I am very attached to my kids and I I who who knows what would happen. >> I mean, I'm very close with my kid and I thought I was just doing the right thing and protecting her. >> We also have to look at um the fact [music] that this is pretty much a school function and I think the kids got suspended on Friday for this, right? So, we're looking at it also as a zero tolerance thing cuz this is the first week of school, now the second. And we've already had [snorts] a fight 4 days in. We're going to hopefully set a precedent that other kids can see and not go this route. It's just it's just going to be a zero tolerance thing, especially especially with adults involved and especially at any type of school function. So, um but they are she's going to answer for what she did to you as well. We're we're going to go there after this. You want to grab Well, they're going to give you shoes. Do you want to grab some shoes? Are you okay if he goes in there with you while you get some shoes? >> Can I lock up my dogs first? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Uh, can I call Can I grab my phone, too? >> Um, are your dogs going to bite us? I >> I mean, no. But like, >> here's the thing. You're You're under arrest. >> I know. >> Um, we're being nice and letting you take pictures, >> but we we're also responsible for what happens once we let you go in there. >> I'm not going to do anything crazy. >> I I don't think you will, but we've uh we've been bitten before. I mean, I could There's three. >> Okay. >> There's two pit bulls. They're They're friendly, but like seeing guys, it's kind of And uniforms, I'm sure it's going to be too much. >> Okay. >> But then shoes at you have any in the car? >> No. >> Um, >> do you want to just have whoever bails you out bring you some? >> Can I Can I grab I got to lock up the dogs cuz they destroy the house. So, I don't I can quickly grab them if someone wants to watch. >> I'm just going to wait at the front door. That's >> Oh, okay. In the end, after the patrol vehicles left, what remained was the image of a tired woman worried about her daughter and uncertain about the future. >> Do you have a Do you have a preference for music? >> Uh, it doesn't matter. >> Whatever you want. >> How would I know if like I'm able to [music] get bail or I >> They We have a pretty u a pretty transparent >> [music] >> uh jail staff. >> What does that mean? >> Like that they communicate. It's not just Yeah. >> Throw you in a jail. Throw you in a jail cell and not talk to you. >> Yeah. Cuz when I used to work uh I got arrested here in Flaggler once and they were like really nice and I wasn't used to that cuz [music] I used to live in Marian County. >> Okay. >> And that place is definitely a joke. >> And you have no preference like no preference for music. >> You have a favorite song or anything? >> It's called the black. >> Black. >> The black. Yeah. Eminence. >> Eminence. >> It's like a violin core like hardcore violin. It's pretty cool. Try and like spread the word. >> I haven't heard Eminence. >> It's I M M E N C E. >> Play the black. >> Play the Black by Eminence. >> Would I have someone tomorrow to um like uh what's the word? Like a lawyer. >> Yeah, you can. Uh you getting a range of Yeah. Everyone has a right to >> So who do I who do I tell within your personal? >> Yeah, I meant like who do I tell you guys? >> Uh >> like I can't give like uh like I can't give like advice on anything. >> No, I know that. But I'm saying like if I go tomorrow to talk to the judge, shouldn't I have a lawyer present with me? >> How do I get one? That's what I was asking. >> It's one will be either appointed to you or you can request. It's just >> it's first appearance. >> What does that mean? >> That means it's basically the judge. You go before the review. It's like a brief review of your case >> and um they like set a bond or uh the conditions of the case. >> The what? >> The conditions of your case. Wow. Judge sets a either like a bond or >> so I won't have a bond to me. >> I'm not entirely sure. He's probably ask because I don't like work. I'm >> kind of hot back here. >> Is the judge pretty like understanding or >> I've never met him. >> The mother was charged with felony child. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. [music] Everyone should pause before reacting because strong emotions rarely resolve a situation. And protecting children sometimes begins with preventing events from growing beyond [music] control. Not every danger to children comes from strangers. Sometimes the risk appears in the most familiar places. >> So this is what we got sent to her school. This is what was in her little clear backpack. >> On February 27th, 2025, staff at a preschool found unsafe items in a [music] young child's backpack. The bag was part of the child's normal routine of going between home and school. [music] After the discovery, the school contacted emergency services. Officers arrived to review the situation and make sure all the children were safe. >> Thanks. >> Hello. So, how how old is this kid? >> So, what do we have here? Oh my gosh. Oh. So, we sent these backpacks home for like a take home bag and they bring them back and they take them home on Tuesday, bring them back on Thursday and yeah, there it is. >> She lives >> that's a that's a good one. Um, so have you contacted the parents or No, don't contact the parents. Uh, we'll >> I have to call make a DCFS too. We'll contact We'll make contact with the parents. >> What's yours? >> We're on back. >> Sheriff's office. Search warrant. Sheriff's office. Search warrant. Sheriff's office. Search warrant. Sheriff's office. Search warrant. Please, please, please, please. Hands. Come here. Come here. Ow. >> Kristen. >> Police. >> Police. Where's Kristen at? >> Okay. >> Yep. Are you Jason? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Hang on. We got two pages here. I'm officer scene with OPD. We got a search warrant for the residence signed by a judge. You can feel free to look through. Okay. And I'm just going to randise a few words for you in here. Okay. We going to find any methamphetamine, anything like that in the house, pipes. >> No, I've been clean foring since September 17th. >> Okay. No pills, nothing like that. So, the reason why we're here is uh Kristen's daughter showed up. We're here on a child and investigation. Her daughter showed up to preschool with a bag and THC dabs and then rolling papers and then she rode the bus with them and had them around all those other kids. So, see, we're taking this pretty serious. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Cuz there's 21 kids that were to in with child endangerment. So technically there can be 21 counts of child endangerment for both of you guys. Yeah, that's a lot. >> The review and collection of the items pointed to serious gaps [music] in adult supervision, making the earlier explanation of trying to rebuild her life seem less convincing. >> You shine your light on that test kit while I take a picture of this to where it shows that it's Yeah, you can see the blue there. One second. Bingo. Cool. He was in here. So, it makes me wonder if maybe he stashed something then if we're getting messed right now. >> Possibly. Cuz I mean, he's got from here to up there to do something with it. Well, I mean, he didn't come out until like this is where I met him. >> I just saying there's a lot of time that passed by. >> Yeah. Like why is he not hopping out of bed and being like whoop? >> Yeah. I could tell when I popped that one that that's obviously a lot darker of a color than that. >> I was like, man, that's wanting to That's turning more purple the liquid itself in there now. >> Oh yeah. >> You guys both use that scale to weigh your out on You guys both use that scale to weigh the out on. >> Put spice on it. We put spices on it. spices. >> Spices. >> You guys never weigh thought on it or anything like that? Okay. I was curious, but it's both yours, huh? >> It's both yours. The scale. Okay. And all the parameters is all yours and stuff. All you guys share that all the all the and stuff in here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. The scale did test positive for methamphetamine. >> It did. >> Yeah, it did. >> That's crazy. >> It did. I took a picture of the test kit. I I'll show it to you, man. Yeah, I ain't got no >> Kristen doing >> that. Purple purple. >> What? >> Said the skills are mine. >> I mean, you just said that you guys both use them. So, you guys It's in your guys' room. You can't just take the charge for her. It's It's mutual possession. You guys are both going to get charged for the methamphetamine possession. Okay. >> She don't ever use them much. >> I mean, did you did Did you wave that on them? >> No. Well, not anytime recently. I don't >> When did When did When's the last time you used them for dope? >> Back when I got in trouble. >> You've had those scales since then? >> Yeah, I've had them for a long time. >> When did you get in trouble? >> Uh, May of last year. >> I'm having a hard time believing that there would still be residue on those scales. Then why would you keep those scales then if you don't you do dope on them. And earlier you told me that you didn't weigh any that on them. >> Yeah. I remember the scales. >> Yeah. You said those are the marijuana scales. >> Yeah. That's why I don't understand why it's tested positive. >> So you shouldn't have laid any thought on them. Okay. All right. Well, they're in your room and they're they're with you got you said both of you use them. So we're both you're both getting charged with them. Okay. Just it is what it is. We're here because you guys just leave your out and they're a little bit reckless with it. >> At the facility, the mother acknowledged the items were hers and said the situation happened because of forgetfulness and distraction while packing. Human mistakes that can become risky when young children are involved. had an RSV diagnosis yesterday. >> Yeah, they said bad. >> I'll show you guys the picture. I ain't trying to hide anything from you. So, this is what we got sent to her school. This is what was in her little clear backpack. So, >> I mean, that's a problem. >> Yeah, that's mine. >> That's yours? >> That's mine. >> Okay. >> I didn't know I put it in there. I didn't know I put it in there. >> It's not his. >> Yeah. I don't see I don't I did. We didn't have scales. >> We had the weed scales. >> I didn't know that. >> I didn't know that. I thought the cops had taken them from you when you got in trouble. >> And And we haven't done that. I'm being straight up 100% honest. My parents gave me an ultimatum and they told me >> hang on Kristen let me marize you and I'll let you speak okay before I ask you any questions my duty to advise you of constitutional rights you have the right to mean silent anything you say can be used against you in the court of law of the proceedings you have the right to a lawyer for advice before we we ask any questions that happen with you during questioning cannot afford a lawyer won't be appointed to represent you for any questioning if you wish you can decide anytime to exercise these rights not not answer any questions or make any statements you understand these constitutional rights I've advised you >> yes >> okay all right I'm going to ask you guys again there been any slip ups relapses >> no we mentioned something about 3 months ago. >> We did. >> I went home too in May. In May. >> That's May 17th when I caught my case, right? >> That's more than 3 months ago. >> Yeah. May 17th I caught my case and I went to jail and I got out then the year around September. >> Yeah. >> I slipped we slipped up. >> Yeah. >> And they told me I fell for my pre-trial. >> Told me to go to rehab. I went to rehab and we've been clean ever since. >> Well, that that's more than a few months. What about a few months ago? Did you guys around with something? maybe party one night. >> No. >> What's the deal? No. >> Well, still I mean rehab though. You >> I went to I went to after him. I went in like the around 1 of August. >> It's a problem cuz all the scales were and stuff like that were in reach of a child too. >> We have around I swear to God on everything I love, man. I'm serious. I ain't trying to be a methhead no more. You know, I'm trying to change my life. The only reason you see I couldn't even put my arm behind my back. I work 9 10 hour days just to put food on the table and pay my bills. >> Yep. And we ain't here picking on you. But we got to be straight up honest with you. I'm about to have a nervous breakdown because I'm on so many meds, man. I'm on antiscychotics. I'm on anxiety. I'm on depression. I mean, I'm trying to get my [ __ ] straight. >> Yeah, >> we both have been. We've been on this straight and narrow. >> Yeah. >> Ain't talking. >> No, we don't go nowhere. We don't do nothing. Like I said, man, I go to work, I come home, I go to the grocery store. I've been a mob. Just because I smoke pot, you know, that doesn't make me a bad mob. >> I'm not saying you are. >> I know. I'm just saying. You know, >> you guys just made a mistake. I just made a mistake and put it in the wrong bag. I forgot to take it out to be completely honest with you. Can you loosen these up, son, please? >> Yeah. Tell me about the magnetic box. >> I had I had it back in the day. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's what And the cops at Lawrence County gave it back to us when they arrested it. >> Yeah. >> Well, why'd you keep it? I mean, why keep my pair? Yeah, >> cuz it it was just a >> It was just a box. >> And then you put it back underneath the bed to hide it is kind of That's kind of strange to me. Like maybe once in a while you guys are slipping up and >> No, >> I mean then why keep it? >> Actually, I forgot that was even under the bed to be completely honest. >> But you can't really see it. That's [ __ ] >> But why put it back underneath the bed? You have not put in it since. >> Well, I mean, if you think about it, when he messed up the first time and he got arrested, that's when they had the box. That's when we did it. >> Yeah, they gave it back to us cuz, >> you know, that was before, you know, we >> got cleaned up. Got our nose clean. >> Yeah. >> I I miss I miss some things, you know. my blonde and I'm absent of minded. I get I can't even stay concentrated on one damn thing. Normally I have I can always do two or three different things and I can't help it. >> I get it. >> The couple was charged with possession and childment. Under Texas law they could face up to 4 years in prison. Children place complete trust [music] in the adults around them. For that reason, anything that could pose a danger should always be stored carefully, especially in homes with young children and [music] when kids regularly carry bags between home and school. What police discovered behind the locked door of a Florida apartment revealed a potentially risky environment, not only for the child, but for the community. >> That apartment, no child should ever be even close to living in something like that. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. >> On May 20th, 2024, Lake County, Florida, police received a welfare check request after a father had been unable to contact the child's mother for several days. Concerned something might be wrong, they went to the apartment where the mother and her one-year-old were living. However, all attempts at knocking went unanswered. Facing an urgent concern, police had to open the door and what they found surprised everyone. >> I want my baby. I'm trying to check on my baby and she's not responding, man. She's yelling. I need to see if my baby's okay. >> What is she yelling? >> Get out >> to you or the kid? >> No, not the kid. I don't know if the kid is dead. That's what I'm trying to see. >> So, you're just wanting a well-being check on the kid? >> Yes. Make sure she >> Well, just stay down here for us. Hey, Crystal. It's Corporal Her Lake County Sheriff's Office. We're just here to make sure that the baby's okay. That's it. Once we verify the baby's okay, then we're going to leave. Okay, >> Crystal, can you please just come to the door? We legit just want to make sure the baby's all right. That's it. And then we're leaving. >> Is she talking to you through the window? Crystal changed a lot. Crystal Crystal, there >> nose permits only one way in. Let me just keep an eye on that. >> Police sought help from neighbors and the truth revealed through their accounts made the situation even more concerning. >> So we trying to evict Matthew and Dallas. >> Okay. The two that are there. >> Yeah. So the one that is in there, she changed the locks and she's on alphabets. So when the deputy came in to um evict her, she's not on the paperwork. So it's actually her residence. So it's nothing that they couldn't like >> Okay. Do you know if she's left? When's the last time you guys have been out there? >> Um, 2 days ago. >> Two days ago because she like barricaded herself with a bunch of like furniture and put it in front of the door. >> Yeah. So, we have to like remove all that. >> You guys have moved all that? >> Yeah, we we we try. >> Okay. Cuz it looks like there's a whole bunch more stuff pushed up against the door. >> She's doing that. Yeah. >> So, we're here to do a well-being check on the child that's up there. I guess there's a one-year-old. >> Yes. And it's another he's always here because >> Garcia. >> Yeah, I think so. We've been trying to like get in the apartment because they having issues on the second uh floor. The residents um they having issue with leaking. So we think that's her opening all the um like okay like water like so we're going to go in doing a exigent search for the child to make sure that the child's okay. >> At this point I don't know if she's actually in there because the door was unlocked. All the stuff was pushed up against the door. No one's answering. We don't hear the baby. We don't hear her. But we're going to go up there just to do a verification. Mhm. I don't know if um somebody said that the older kid, I think he's like 10 years old, >> he left already. He left >> according to the other deputy. >> Yep. >> He left and nobody knows where he where he's at. >> Okay. >> But um if the door is unlocked, if you need to like break any doors, um you have the um you guys can >> Okay. All right. Well, it doesn't look like we're going to have to do any of that cuz we already opened the door and looked inside just to see if it was unlocked. We haven't gone in yet. We're waiting for him to fill out affidavit and then we're going to go in and just verify and check. But it kind of looks like >> she's gone. >> She's gone. I mean, it's pretty much empty in there. There's no couches or anything, but like all the broken bed stuff and everything is just pushed up against >> she went she went and broke everything and put like barricade herself that she was trying to protect on. >> Okay. >> Unable to delay, police entered the apartment to ensure safety. At that moment, the mother used a spray on officers, forcing them to use safety equipment to manage the situation. One of the officers who came into contact with the spray experienced mild irritation due to the sensitive nature. Some body cam footage was later reviewed and edited by authorities before release. Want to see something? >> H. I give us a little bit of space. Bro, you got a little bit of space. A little bit at a level. >> Slide this. Slide this bottom down. What? >> It's jammed in there. >> I don't like it. You got to come with it. I'm notic [clears throat] I'm sure at this point it just smells like bleach. I need at least two more. >> You go downstairs. You good? >> In the chaotic moment, it seemed all officers were actively working to regain control. Yet, they persisted calmly. >> I went in my throat. Stay with her. You may bang her head on the partition. Hey, ask for the [ __ ] spray with some kind of >> My throat's burning. Oh, great. They don't want to coat us. >> Hey, >> where's the [ __ ] bleach? Damn it. One, two, three, four counts battery on Leo. One count. [ __ ] I can't see. Tommy, you want me to take her? >> No, I'm taking her. >> Want me to take it? >> I just I really cannot see though. >> Hey guys, more water. >> Yeah, you got some more. Thank you. >> These are like gentle. >> That's why I'm sit down. Sit on the curb. Sit on the seat. Sit on something. Seat. >> I got to go back in there. >> For what? >> She took one of my disc. You got a dry napkin. 1740 34 58. After a series of challenging interactions, the mother continued to insist that she had done nothing wrong. >> Okay, I'm going down. >> 3450 late. She's 10:15. >> Okay, officer. You pinging me down the stairs. You pinging me down the stairs. Officer, look what they did. I didn't do nothing wrong. All I'm doing is telling Jesus saved. Jesus saved. Y'all doing me wrong. Y'all see this? Y'all doing me wrong. Look, they took my kids. They made my kids run away. Now look, they take me a handcuff. Dallas, you was all on this. >> Shut the hell up. >> Okay. God is good. >> What's the call? >> They hurt the dog. The cops hurt the dog. >> What you trying to take, officer? >> Make sure you ain't got nothing in your pocket. >> I don't got nothing in my pocket. Nothing in my pocket, officer. >> So, what is this? >> Oh, okay. >> Exactly. Shut the hell up and let me do my job. >> No problem. This is what you wanted, Dallas. You see, you took all my kids off. >> I pulled one now. >> Stop moving. >> I'm not moving, officer. And you and you moving me and telling me stop moving, officer. I'm not trying to do nothing, officer. The subsequent search was conducted by a female officer to follow safety protocols. >> Officer, please forgive me. I was just a second. >> I'm going to I'm going to pat you down. No problem. >> You going to stand right here or lean on the car? Do you have anything on you that's going to danger me? >> Only batteries and light. No. >> Okay. Are they on your person? >> No, he took them out. >> Okay. So, there's nothing hidden, nothing. No needles for nothing. >> What's in your ear? Is that just your ear? Ear earring? >> Hey, can you spread your legs? You don't have to You don't have to get that far. You can close them a little bit. There we go. Thank you. >> You wearing a bra? >> No. Oh, yeah. >> Okay. Is it a wire bra? >> No. No, ma'am. >> Is there any chemical on you? Anything that's going to hurt me in that fashion from what they are telling me? >> All right. I'm going on you. >> No problem. Okay. >> No problem. >> So, just to let you know that you're all on body cam, so everything you said is going to be recorded. No problem. >> And all be you. So, just I'm just reminding you of that fact. Okay. >> No problem. >> No more necklaces. >> No, ma'am. >> All right. We're going to step to my car. >> No problem, ma'am. >> Right over here. >> Can you please grab the water? >> Yeah. Can you grab the water? >> Yeah. Can you please you got to get to the car first, officer. All I need is water. Despite the tense situation, officers remained calm and professional. In the vehicle, the mother began to show signs of realizing her mistakes. >> Is there a reason that you need water? >> Yes. I'm really thirsty, ma'am. >> Is that it? >> Yes. Is there no other reason? >> Putting it for me, officer. >> Yeah. We got to get in the car. >> Please forgive me. I forgive y'all. Please forgive me. >> You don't take any medication that requires >> No. No. No medication. No. Nope. No medication. >> All right. Put your seat belt on. Actually, this is not your fault. Please give me some water off the top. Give me some water, >> please. I apologize. I'm so sorry. I love my kids. >> No worry. >> Sorry, ma'am. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry you have to come and do this. So sorry. Thank you so much, ma'am. >> Is this a water bottle for your house? >> No, I don't know. >> Somebody offered >> I don't know. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. >> You're going to have an opportunity to talk to the judge. Okay, >> no problem. Can you give me a little bit more? I don't take no medication, nothing. Thank you so much. Can you just leave that water bottle right there? So, >> no, it can't be in the cab, but I'm going to put in the front. >> No problem. Thank you so much. >> All right. There's a drop here. Just careful when you're stepping out. Step up. Go to that door. >> Shortly after, the father and his girlfriend arrived to pick up the child. They couldn't hide their concern over the apartment's conditions and expressed appreciation to the police. >> Hey, how's that baby doing, man? >> She's good right now. >> She's good. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> Sorry, I had to encourage you guys, man. >> I'm glad you got your child. >> Yes, sir. I'm glad, too. Thank you. Yes, sir. that that apartment. No child should ever be even close to living in something like that. That was one of the worst I've ever seen. All right. I'm glad that you called us. I'm glad we were able to help you out and get the baby out of that situation cuz that was not good at all. >> Thank you very much. >> Yes, sir. Just stick around for us a little bit. RCIB is actually coming because of all the events that have occurred and what we've witnessed in there. She's going to be charged with some form of child um as well as a battery on all of us. >> No problem. >> All right. Thank you guys. >> All right. So, I guess you used to live here, but you moved out four or five months ago. Is that right? And when you left, the house was in pretty good order. >> Yes. Me? Yes. Straight. Everything was good. It was never like this. The windows never like that. >> Yeah. Okay. And what is the child custody situation? >> She has, but I'm uh I >> Yeah. >> So, you you take care of her. Is there any court paperwork as far as custody goes? >> No. The mother was charged and booked into Lake County jail with two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer and child. Under Florida law, she could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or probation along with fines up to $15,000. However, court records show her bail was set at $11,000. Do you think the court's ruling was truly fair? Share your perspective in the comments below. What seemed like a simple custody exchange unexpectedly turned tense as emotions, the law, and maternal instinct collided head-on. >> My son was being That's what concerns me. >> September 4th, 2024, police received an emergency call from a Florida parking lot regarding a custody exchange. The situation quickly escalated as the mother tried to retrieve the child amid confusion. At the scene, the father and his girlfriend began recounting the entire incident. Anyways, we were swapping kids and uh a young girl, my ex my ex old lady slammed the door open, hit me in the face me, grabbing my wheel and her friend come over, unlocked my door and snatched my son out the seat and then they took off. >> Who's the And what what vehicle did they take off? >> It's my ex my kid with her. >> Okay. What vehicle did they take off in? >> Silver Toyota Tacoma. We live >> Do you know where they live or where they might be heading to? >> I drove like 8 hours today figuring out where he's at. We then I just left the pool house over there. I'm the father. child. Okay. >> And she took off. >> Mom has him now. >> She had her friend come inside the vehicle and snatch him while she was >> We have a video of it. She in my damn mouth, my feet. My truck was in reverse. I was pulling out. She my door open. She thought that, you know, I've been trying to serve. I could show you all the I want to see if we can catch them. Would they go to >> All I have is >> We have so many addresses of houses we've stopped at today. >> Whose car is that? Is that hers or I think that's her friend. >> She has black hair. >> Lean Marie West. That's the friend's name and I think it might be her truck. >> Yeah, she has a truck, >> but I can't see the tag number. I thought it's too >> Show them the video. >> You mind putting up a little took him out of our county. Get out of my truck now. Get out of my truck, Jessica. Get it on video. Get out of my truck, Jessica. >> Get out of my truck. >> Help me. Please >> get out of my truck. >> Please. Please. >> Get out of my truck. Get out of my truck. Get out. Get out. She's in the ghetto. >> I'm not hitting you. >> Get out of my house. >> You're scaring him. supposed to be a sample flaw. You want to look them up on the side? Is >> there anything else on the truck that looks like it's identifiable? Any stickers or anything you saw on it? >> I didn't see it on on when it was leaving. >> I mean, it looks like a newer It's got that front black bunker in the front. >> The father further shared concerns about the mother's unstable living situation and the risks of the child in her care. You guys were just doing a child exchange for the weekend. >> Yeah. Well, no, it wasn't for the weekend. All right, but I've been at the courthouse. I just left the courthouse this morning. Work from Lake City for about 5 hours. Jessica, she left county, left Gainesville with Junior. She has no vehicle. She has no home, no job, no way to support him. My county in the courthouse, we've been trying to serve her for the last, you know, 3 weeks. She's dumping dodging. She was in Fort Myers Cso. They've been trying to serve her. Keeps coming back in serviceable. So they said meet up with her once you have possession of the child's resource cuz we legally have 50/50 custody. We just got out of court a couple of weeks ago for she's trying to get a restraining order. But anyways, what she's trying to do is keep the kid from, you know, we're trying to go to court and get custody, you know, and all that. Well, I told her we kind of, you know, came up with a game plan where we were going to, you know, act like I was going to get back with her. I've already got a back. >> I'm looking at it now. Thank you. But once she gave me and I put them in my truck and everything, as soon as she laid eyes on her, it wasn't over because she doesn't want me to have another. I didn't tell her that. As soon as she seen that she was in the truck, next thing you know, she was trying to rip Junior out. Then Leanne opened the door and snatched up. So that I mean, that's pretty much it. Okay. >> Leanne is not biologically related to anyone. She's not part of any child custody. And I mean, if we can start a BCF case, too, because no matter what our plan, >> well, they're going to be called. Our plan was was >> Show me that video one more time. >> Does that look like it? >> Call DCF right away with like the wheels. >> They've already got it. >> That's it. Yeah, I wish they got it. But they're on their way back anyway. >> She wanted to meet here and not at the house and we didn't have an address. >> They're at the W house now. We're going to go over there and make contact with them. Then once another deputy comes, then I'll come back and I'll get formal statements from everybody here and then we'll let you know how everything goes. Right. Just hang tight for us. >> Shortly after, police spoke with a mother and child. >> Where's the baby? Just want to make sure they're okay. Hey, bub. You can leave him there. That's fine. Move out of the way. What's going on, buddy? >> My daddy. >> What's that? Yeah, daddy's over there. He's okay. I was just with him. That's why I'm here to make sure you're okay. Are you okay? >> All right. Are you doing okay? Did you get hurt at all? >> Yeah. >> Who hurt you? >> Who did? The ladies here. >> Did daddy hear you? >> Yeah. >> Daddy did too? Are you sure? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Hang tight for me, Bubba. >> You need my whole life with me. >> No. Do you need EMS to come check you out or anything? >> I would like it on record that I'm up. >> Yeah. I mean, I mean, >> no. I mean, I'm not seriously injured. >> I looked at the the baby's baby's okay. Okay. >> You're not under arrest yet. We got a video we got to go back and watch again. But it's my understanding you don't have any relation to that child. >> What we're going to do for now is I'm going to have you just have a seat in the car. So it it's nothing's done yet. We're going to get >> We will in a second. >> You're detained for right now. >> She's not getting arrested. She's detained. So definitely >> got anything on you? >> I'm going to go over there and grab the same if you want to put them in there with them. >> The mother's close friend faced legal attention and she herself was unlikely to avoid responsibility. This led the father to express his intention to possibly pursue legal measures against both. >> The baby's okay. That's the first thing I made sure. No, no, they're not hurt or anything. We got them there. >> We've been going of course. She's been ducking and dodging LCSO private servers and nobody can find her. She literally jumped town from Gainesville where she lived out with her mom and she's doing whatever she can to get away and not be found. >> So that's that's also concerning to us too because from what the way this acting out that that looks to me like somebody that's going to disappear from the face of the earth. That's what's my job. She has no job. What if she were >> We have proof. I left our courthouse this morning. I've talked to all our deputy supervisors, deputy clerks, and everything. We're all working on this together to get Jessica to court. She's like hiding. So, and I've already told her we're going to try to, you know, proceed in court, but then we all came up with this other plan. Talk to her, be nice to her, see if you can, you know, manipulate her to come to you. Once she gives you Junior, now he's in your possession. And we both both legally have 50/50 custody. We have no child custody agreement. And um so that's what we did. She got out. She handed me your number. I said, "I love you. He loves daddy." And I brought him over to the truck, set him in the truck as soon as her friend seen Julia. That's when all this crazy. >> So let me go ahead and get the statement rolling now. Do you swear to affirm the statement you're about to give is the whole truth and nothing but the truth? >> What happened today? So she was dropping Julia off to you. >> To me, right? I jump in the truck. Well, as soon as the back door opened, her friend seen that Julia was in there. And as soon as they seen Julia here, it was a no-go. And they were like, "No, this ain't happening." I jump in my truck and then Jessica's running at me. we've got it on video and all that and that's when she jumped in my truck and you know started me all kinds of crazy my truck was in reverse too so I was doing my best to keep her out. Julia's pregnant. I have Junior in the back which is a child and um so eventually I put the truck in in park and I forcefully moved her out of the truck by that time. Leanne come over to our driver door unlocked my truck come to the back door. >> Who is Leanne in reference to anybody here? Is she related any >> to us at all? Jessica's best friend. >> So it's just a friend. No relation to to Junior or anything like that. >> No relation at all. Leanne unlocks the door, goes around to the back door. Julia's holding Junior right there. She's got it on video. And Leanne snatches Junior out of the truck and went over and put her window to put him back in in her truck. And that's when I was already out cuz I pulled Jessica out of my truck. And I tried to wrap Junior, but I felt like it was too rough of a situation for him. And you know, so that way I let go and I figured we'll just figure it out when you guys got here. I just didn't want to pull on him too hard and scare him, hurt him. Should have never happened. And would you like to press charges on >> Absolutely. >> on Jessica? >> Absolutely. I'd like to press charges on Jessica for if I can press charges on Leanne for breaking into my truck when I told her not to. I'd love to press charges on her as well. >> Fantastic. >> This is pretty much she asked me um am I driving a dual lean? Yes, almost there. Are you alone? She asked me if I was alone. I said, "Do you really Jessica?" I wasn't going to tell her that I had Julia with me. You don't have to. I just took a picture of my front seat cuz Julia was in the back center to her. I didn't lie to her. Just making sure I'm always safe. I said I'm here. When I was here up front, that's when they said I'd come out and grab. >> All right, let me get some papers for you. >> On the other side, police took a statement from the mother's friend. However, the accounts from both sides contain several inconsistencies. >> Hello. >> Hi. I don't like the look of that conversation. >> Oh, I was just letting I was over there, so I have to let him know. >> Conversations weird. >> Well, he's in training, so we have to break a lot of things down so he understands why we do certain things. It doesn't mean it's going to be good. It doesn't mean it's going to be bad. It's just we have to break certain things down. All right. Right now that I'm going to try to do is I'm going to ask you if you'd like to provide a statement in reference to what happened today. >> So, if you're willing to do so, we'll go ahead and do so. Time now is 7:48 p.m. Today's date is September 4th, 2024. Are you under the influence of any or alcohol? >> No, sir. >> All right. Do you know the meaning of perjury? >> No. >> All right. I'll explain to you. Not that many people know. That's okay. So, perjury can be committed by telling lies or admitting the truth while under oath. Basically, don't lie. Here in the state of Florida, it's a crime. Do you understand what I told you about perjury? >> So, prior to me taking this statement, I'm going to pursue you under oath. The police Well, I mean, >> figuratively, right? Yeah. There you go. Do you swear to affirm the statement you're about to give is the whole truth and nothing but the truth? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. What happened today? >> I was at work. My friend said her baby daddy said he'd like >> Who's your friend? >> Jessica L. He said her baby daddy, Robert Wigle, wanted to meet up and hang out with the baby Robert Junior. I said, "Okay, that's fine. I get off at 4:00. I have to pick up my daughter, Harland. drop her off and then I will take you to said meeting, >> right? Where did she tell you the meeting was going to be at? >> Right here at that hotel um holiday. >> So, it was at the hotel that you guys were going to meet. >> It was like 5:30ish. We head this way or something. We pull into the parking lot. He's parked in the front of the parking lot. He gets out of the truck and he's walking towards the hotel. I said, "I'm not parking in the front. I'm going to park in the back." Cuz I don't like that guy. It's always been a rocky road with him. >> Mhm. >> She gets out. Everything's fine. He pulls the truck around. He said, "I'm I'm going to wait a second. like, I'm not just going to leave. I'm going to make sure you're okay. She hands hands Robert Robert Jr., takes Robert Jr., places him in the back seat, and I'm still sitting in my truck, and I watch his girlfriend sit up from the back seat, and I said, "Jessica, his girlfriend's with him." She said, "No, that's not happening. You're not stealing my kid. I'm still in my truck." She says, "Lean, please grab my stuff off the ground." I grabbed her stuff off the ground. And then she says, "Lean, please try and help me grab Junior. Please help me grab Junior." And that is when I did grab Junior cuz the mother asked me to please grab her son from somebody else. >> Yes. >> You unlocked the door? >> Yes, sir. >> You took Junior? >> Yes, sir. I grabbed Junior and I placed Junior in my truck. Uh Robert had gotten out of his truck at that point and was trying to grab Junior out of my truck. I still had I kind of still had him in my arms at that point. I was kind of hugging him trying to make sure he doesn't grab him. They're both like right in front of me like where you are trying to grab him and I was just holding him cuz I'm scared. He's trying to grab my arms. Jessica falls. I put Junior in my truck. Jessica said, "Please lock the doors. Please call 911." They're saying, "Please call 911." And then I I left because I wanted to leave the scene before I didn't want to be around him. We were going to try and find somewhere to meet the officers. >> The presence of the father's girlfriend added further tension to the situation. >> She at no point told you that this was a custody exchange. >> No, it it wasn't a custody exchange. It was Robert wants to hang out with with his son. He wants to meet up with his son. They were supposed to spend time together. He never once said that there was another person with them. >> Well, what difference would that make if there's another person? >> I don't know. >> Why did Why did she come with you? How about if he felt some type of way? >> She doesn't have a vehicle. I see you don't have a ride here. >> So, why how why would she feel some type of way of him having somebody with him present for that? >> The girl that he was with is his supposedly ex-girlfriend. He had told her that we're we're not together anymore. I want to try and make things work with you. I want to see my son. He on the conversation of them on the way here, there's pictures. He said, "No, I'm by myself. There's nobody with me." >> Right. But what difference would that make? >> I I don't know. That's just what we were under the impression was is that he was by himself. It was just supposed to be the two of them. >> Right. >> Mom and dad. >> So, were you aware that the court has been trying to serve her legal paperwork in regards to child custody and all these type of things? >> I found out about it a week ago when she had moved back down here and her mom had called her and said the papers were trying to be served. Her mom told the cops that she had moved and then we haven't heard anything from her since. >> Okay. In this case, the father appeared to hold the upper hand both in behavior and legal standing. As a result, the mother had to face responsibility. >> Here's what we have to do. All right. There's a statute in Florida. I don't want to charge anybody with is shows a different type of intent. You and your friend are both going to get charged with what's called interference with child custody. Since you guys don't have any parenting agreement in place, you each have equal right to the child. And at the moment when this all kind of popped off, he had custody of the child. So, you're going to go to jail for interference with child custody and she she'll do the same. Okay. >> So, what I'll do? >> Well, he'll dad will take him for nothing. >> So, dad call you for jail for assaulting me. >> You actually you entered his truck. You had no reason to enter his truck. >> He was. >> No, he was not. >> He doesn't have custody. >> It doesn't You don't have a parenting. He has equal rights to the child as you do. That's what this is all the technical side of the law here to have my kids. That's that's what concerns me. >> Then why would you bring him here to >> He doesn't know how to take care of him by himself is my my thing. I'm not saying he's going to, you know, kid or anything crazy like that. He does not that he's got two girls that live in Lee County and the mother will not let him see them because he does not take care of them. >> There is nothing legally I I can prevent him from taking the child in this room. He's the biological father and father and there is no court order saying that he cannot have custody. >> I just don't understand like how he can come and literally try to my child and that's I'm in I'm in handcuff. >> He hasn't seen him in months. Do you know how terrified my son's going to be when you give him >> when you guys have that kind of stuff. You got to go to court. >> However, despite repeated explanations from the police, she still did not fully recognize the seriousness of her actions. >> I I can't No, you get you get the paperwork that you've been dodging. that he didn't I haven't been dodging. They just came to my mom's a week ago. I haven't >> go to court. Stop interrupting me. How am I going to answer your question? >> I'm sorry. I'm upset. You guys are taking me away from my son right now. >> You got to go to court. This whole thing is a civil issue when it got escalated to the point where you entered his truck and tried to climb over him as he's reversing and then you >> my child. >> He's in custody of his own child. He can't his own child when you will alerts for kids that are with their own parent that have been. And you know what the stipulation is? They have no custody of the kid. >> He does not have legal written custody. Where can you start biological father? >> What do you mean? >> There is nothing that shows that you can't have that he can't have his kid and you can't have the kid cuz there's nothing in regards to a custody thing. So what does that default to? 50/50 custody between the mother and the father. You let the kid go with you gave the kid to him and he was in the backseat of his truck. didn't put him in the >> shot. Stop talking. You instructed your friend, "Open and get my kid." >> That was being >> My son was being >> She unlocked the door. >> Who was that? >> I don't know. She was holding my son down. Do you know how terrifying that is? >> That was not on the video. It was videoing it. What do you mean? Who took the video if she wasn't in the back seat? >> She wasn't holding the camera. >> You couldn't see my kid, could you? >> I can. >> Where's the video? Can I see it? >> You'll see it in court. You clearly don't understand, which makes me think you don't understand. Can I see it? No. What happened? I can't take >> It's going to go with the kid and then you're going to handle it with the child's seat to him. >> What kind of question is that? He's not a safe person for my child. >> Can I give him the child's seat that is in that vehicle to him? >> And if I say no, then what? >> Then I can't take it. >> Then he takes my heart seat. >> We'll have to figure out something else. >> And that'll be on you. I'll have to figure something else out. I don't know what that's going to be. >> I'm not trying to be >> No, you're clearly not understanding anything. I'm not I don't I don't know how to watch your name. >> When negotiation proved ineffective, [music] police had to take measured steps to ensure the child's safety. >> Whose car seat is that? >> Mine is on the passenger side. Hers is on the driver's side. >> Okay. >> Passenger side is my daughter's car. >> Okay. So, the the other one's hers. Will you be okay me retrieving that property that's not yours from your vehicle to secure the child's life when he gets secured in his father's vehicle? She's clearly not grasping what we're saying. So at that point, we're done talking. We're running in circles. I'm not speaking Spanish to her. Speaking coherent English that will literally transcribe perfectly on Axon. She's not understanding. So at that point, don't let them. We're done. We're done. I already Sergeant already explained it to her. Not getting it. I explained it to her. Not getting it. Questioning everything. We're done. Like never let these people do the same thing. We're done. Cuz at that point, we're just prolonging everything. >> Yeah. So >> the mother was taken to the station where police continued to provide clear information about the relevant legal procedures. >> What kind of set everything off? I don't understand. You saw her and you got mad? >> No, he threw my son in the truck when we were supposed to go in the hotel and hang out in jail. >> He manipulated we dropped out. I can only blend myself. >> So then that's something that you need to tell the court. That's not something where you tell me where I can't act on it because it's civil. The court can all of this would have been avoided if you would have gone through the court. All of this that you're telling me, which I'm not I'm going to take you like his word. I'm taking I believe you. I'm going to say I believe you cuz I can't prove otherwise, right? Same with what he's telling me. I have to go with what you guys tell me. You got to tell people. >> So, do I just go down the court investigating? >> Yeah. I recommend getting a lawyer. get you a lawyer that will uh that's in charge of this type of stuff and they can get you in the right get you to do the exact right paperwork and all that stuff. >> The mother was charged with interference with custody of a minor in battery. Under Florida law, the maximum penalties can include up to 6 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $6,000. Before a clear custody ruling is made, parental rights are considered equal. Therefore, disputes must be resolved in court to protect the child and minimize legal risks. Many explanations were shared throughout these stories, but not every explanation is enough to soften the outcomes that followed. [music] Guidelines are shaped by actions, not emotions. The video closes with a gentle reminder that children's safety always begins with adult awareness and responsibility. If you found this content meaningful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay connected with us. See you again tomorrow. [music] Heat. Heat. N.