A woman from Oklahoma was taken into custody on Tuesday, December 24, following allegations that she left her baby at a hotel and casino in Florida.
A 29-year-old woman, Rubi Verduzco, has been arrested on two charges of felony child neglect.
On Christmas Eve, a police officer responded to a call at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood and reportedly found an infant exposed to the elements while wearing a soiled diaper, as stated in a probable cause affidavit from the Seminole Police Department.
A staff member informed the officer that three individuals had abandoned the baby at the bell desk before departing. It has been reported that the infant was left unattended for approximately half an hour prior to the arrival of the officer.
An officer noted in the affidavit that Verduzco showed up approximately 15 minutes later, claiming “she had a confrontation with her ‘Baby Daddy,’ and the baby was left with some unidentified friends she could not name.”
She reportedly seemed “extremely inebriated, showing red, watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong scent of alcohol on her breath.”
According to the affidavit, Verduzco reportedly informed the police of the baby’s name but was uncertain about the date of birth.
The affidavit reveals that she contacted a man who informed the authorities he was the father of the baby, and he was located in Oklahoma. He reportedly suggested that the state ought to assume custody of the child.
The individual promptly returned the call and informed the officer that he was currently in Orlando and expressed uncertainty about his ability to go to the Hard Rock to collect his child, according to the affidavit. The officer stated he was unable to confirm if the man was indeed the father of the baby.
An officer stated that Verduzco was taken into custody for being unable to identify who was responsible for her baby, where the child was, or how long she had been away.
The infant has been placed under the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Verduzco has been taken into custody at Broward County jail with a bond set at $2,500, according to NBC6.