Woman Accused Of Leaving Kids Alone For Casino Outing
POMPANO BEACH (CBSMiami) -- Broward Sheriff's Deputies arrested a woman Tuesday after she allegedly left her children and grandchildren home alone to go to a casino.
Crystal Hernandez, 35, is accused of leaving her four children ranging from 7-years old to 12-years old plus her 2-year old grandchild at a Pompano Beach home unsupervised and with no food.
According to court records, neighbors called deputies after the children were seen walking around the neighborhood asking for food.
When deputies arrived at the residence they said the smell of urine and feces was overwhelming. They said there was feces on the floor and counter along with dirty clothes throughout the home.
Child protective services took the children from the home.
On Wednesday, Hernandez faced a judge who ordered her not to have contact with the children.
Hernandez, who moved from Kentucky 3 months ago, argues she had a babysitter and there was no abuse done to the children. The public defender on her case argues it's more of a child neglect case.
She faces five charges of child abuse without great bodily harm. Her bond is set at $5,000.