Bethesda Mother Charged With Child Neglect

[Howard Hartman]

	DEPARTMENT OF POLICE MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION 2350 RESEARCH BOULEVARD ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND 20850-3294
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2012	FOR MORE INFORMATION:                         Media Services Division, 240-773-5030

Bethesda Mother Charged With Child Neglect

Officers from the Montgomery County Police 2nd District have charged a Bethesda mother with leaving a child unattended in a residence. On January 18 at 7:51 p.m., police responded to the 6400 block of Rock Forest Drive in Bethesda for a complaint of a child left unattended.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, a 6 year-old female, was left at home alone by her mother. A small toaster fire activated the smoke detectors and the child vacated the home. A neighbor noticed the child and contacted police. The fire department responded as well.

Officers from the 2nd District, unable to locate the mother of the child, left posted instructions at the home for the mother to contact police. At 8:30 p.m., the child was transported to the 2nd District station by officers. The mother, Wafa Mutie Abudib, age 38, responded to the police station at 9:00 p.m.

Abudib was issued a uniform criminal citation charging her with confining a child under the age of 8 years-old, confined to a dwelling which was out of her sight, while she was absent. The charge carries a penalty of $500 and /or 30 days in prison. Abudib was released, pending a court hearing. Her daughter was released to her custody.

Montgomery County Child Protective Services will conduct a follow up investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Montgomery County Child Protective Services at 240-777-4417.

6400 Block of Rock Forest Drive in Bethesda