An Indiana mother is facing charges after allegedly leaving her twin toddlers and 7-year-old child alone in a car outside of a casino in Cincinnati, according to court documents.
The incident occurred on Saturday night at the Belterra Casino Resort, where 31-year-old Sarah Johnson reportedly left her three young children unattended in a vehicle while she went inside to gamble.
Security personnel at the casino became aware of the situation after a concerned patron notified them of the children’s presence in the car. When officers went to investigate, they found the twin toddlers, both just 2 years old, and the 7-year-old alone in the vehicle with the engine turned off and the windows partially cracked.
Authorities were able to locate Johnson inside the casino and escorted her outside to where her children were waiting. According to court documents, Johnson had been gambling for over an hour while her children were left unattended in the car.
The mother was arrested and charged with three counts of child endangerment. She was taken into custody and later released on bond, but she is scheduled to appear in court next week.
The children were taken into the custody of child protective services and are reportedly in good health. However, this incident has sparked outrage and concern among the community, as leaving young children alone in a car poses a significant risk to their safety and well-being.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible parenting and the dangers of leaving young children unattended, especially in potentially dangerous situations like a casino parking lot. Authorities are urging parents to always prioritize the safety and well-being of their children above all else.