DAPHNE, Ala. (WALA/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) – A mother from New Jersey was arrested in Alabama after allegedly leaving her children alone in a hotel room for two days, according to police. The youngest child, a 5-year-old who is non-verbal and autistic, was found unattended at the Comfort Suites, prompting concerned employees to alert authorities.
“Eventually, they were able to get the mom on the phone who I think at first claimed to be at the store and then later said she was in Tennessee and then at some point Atlanta got mentioned,” said Daphne Police Chief Brian Gulsby.
Officers initially contacted the Department of Human Resources, which decided to leave the children alone, believing the mother would return that night. However, when the 5-year-old was found in the hotel swimming pool the following day, police returned and stayed with the children.
The officers weren’t just concerned for the children’s safety. While they were there, they told WALA they also learned that the kids hadn’t had anything to eat or drink since the mother left. The officers reportedly bought food for them both on Saturday and on Sunday. Mom showed up about 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The mother, identified as 33-year-old Hassanah Jabria Smith, was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, each carrying a $1,000 bond. Police investigations revealed that leaving the children alone was a recurring pattern since Smith checked into the hotel with her children and boyfriend on July 27.
“(Hotel employees) told the officers and the detective that came out that the boys being alone for hours or a day at a time was the pattern since they moved into that hotel,” said Gulsby.