Stepmom Blames Dad, But Bodycam Catches Her In A Massive Lie

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]You already lied to me earlier.

[00:00:02]So, let me get this straight. Let me get this straight. You guys left these two babies with an 11year-old?

[00:00:11]So, you tell me you didn't leave the kids up there alone?

[00:00:13]>> Yeah, I did.

[00:00:14]>> So, you did?

[00:00:16]>> On May 18th, 2024, officers in Florida responded to a call for two toddlers found wandering unsupervised in an apartment complex parking garage. No adult present, no responsible caregiver in sight, only two children ages 1 and two. What followed raised core questions under Florida Child Welfare Law and Fifth Amendment doctrine. The threshold legal question here is straightforward.

[00:00:40]Does this situation constitute criminal neglect? Under Florida statute section 827.03, neglect of a child is defined as a caregiver's failure to provide supervision necessary to maintain a child's physical safety. Critically, the statute does not require proof of actual injury only foreseeable danger. Two toddlers in an active vehicle environment unattended satisfies that threshold on its face.

[00:01:06]>> What are you talking about?

[00:01:08]>> Who you think? The kids.

[00:01:09]>> The kids. Okay.

[00:01:11]>> Who you talking to? I don't understand.

[00:01:13]You already lied to me earlier.

[00:01:15]>> What happened?

[00:01:16]>> I went I left to go to work and he said he going to come pick me up.

[00:01:22]That's not what you told him before.

[00:01:24]>> Yeah.

[00:01:38]>> Ma'am.

[00:01:39]>> Yeah.

[00:01:40]>> Who are you?

[00:01:41]>> Uh um hello. Hello. That was in the office.

[00:01:43]>> Can you answer my question?

[00:01:44]>> Huh?

[00:01:44]>> Can you please answer my question?

[00:01:46]>> Tell them you know they walk out.

[00:01:50]Hello. Yeah, stepmom.

[00:01:55]>> Cool. Can you put the children over there? They're not touching the children.

[00:01:59]>> Oh, hello.

[00:02:03]>> So, you are you not the real mom? Who's real mom?

[00:02:06]>> She passed away. She deceased.

[00:02:09]>> Okay. So, can I talk to you? Like, can you have a conversation?

[00:02:13]>> Yeah.

[00:02:14]>> No, I won't talk to you. You're here.

[00:02:16]>> I'm just Whenever you're done.

[00:02:18]>> Okay. All right. Oh, he said he want to talk to me. Okay.

[00:02:21]>> Yeah.

[00:02:23]>> What do you want to talk me about?

[00:02:24]>> Who you think? The kids.

[00:02:26]>> The kids. Okay.

[00:02:27]>> Who you talking to? I don't understand.

[00:02:29]>> The dad. That's the dad.

[00:02:31]>> Where's dad at?

[00:02:31]>> He He on his way back.

[00:02:33]>> All right. Well, >> where's he at?

[00:02:36]>> Hello. He on his way. He was 5 minutes away.

[00:02:39]>> Okay. Where's dad?

[00:02:40]>> Huh?

[00:02:41]>> Where's dad, though?

[00:02:42]>> He just dropped me off.

[00:02:43]>> Listen, listen, listen. You're being around the bush. I'm not trying to be rude. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but I'm very straightforward. Right. So, can you please answer my questions? Where's dad coming from?

[00:02:53]>> Oh, he just dropped me off home.

[00:02:55]>> Okay. Where was that prior to this?

[00:02:57]>> He was picking me up from work.

[00:02:58]>> Okay. And where were the kids?

[00:02:59]>> At home.

[00:03:00]>> With who?

[00:03:01]>> With um the our other self.

[00:03:03]>> With who?

[00:03:04]>> With he at home.

[00:03:05]>> With who?

[00:03:06]>> Our other child at home.

[00:03:08]>> Who's the other child?

[00:03:09]>> Sorry.

[00:03:10]>> How old is he?

[00:03:12]>> So, let me get this straight.

[00:03:14]>> Let me get this straight. You guys left these two babies with an 11 year old.

[00:03:20]>> No, I was at work. I didn't leave him.

[00:03:22]>> So, dad did?

[00:03:24]>> Yeah.

[00:03:25]>> Okay.

[00:03:25]>> Oh, >> fantastic.

[00:03:27]>> And dad's on his way.

[00:03:29]>> Yeah.

[00:03:29]>> Fantastic.

[00:03:30]>> Yeah.

[00:03:32]>> What is What is the address you guys live in?

[00:03:34]>> Oh, 548263.

[00:03:37]>> Yes.

[00:03:38]>> See if any uh child neglect or something along these lines there. Tell me now.

[00:03:46]So, I got through the DCF.

[00:03:48]>> Okay.

[00:03:48]>> Um, this is stepmom.

[00:03:51]>> Hi.

[00:03:51]>> So, basically, dad left children alone to go pick her up.

[00:03:58]>> So, with an 11year-old.

[00:04:01]>> Where's the 11y old >> in the apartment by himself?

[00:04:06]>> I guess he wasn't really paying attention cuz it's an 11year-old. He's probably playing games on his phone.

[00:04:13]Does this happen all the time or >> this happened today?

[00:04:22]>> Do you think the 11-year-old is capable of taking care of these two babies?

[00:04:25]>> No.

[00:04:27]>> Is that your big daddy?

[00:04:29]>> Yeah.

[00:04:30]>> Or stepdad or whatever the case is.

[00:04:33]>> Sir, >> how you doing?

[00:04:34]>> What's going on?

[00:04:37]>> So, can you talk to me real quick?

[00:04:39]>> Yes, sir.

[00:04:40]>> Hey, man. What's going on?

[00:04:42]Uh, they were sleeping. I ran to the store real quick. Uh, she was there. I didn't know she was leaving to go to work.

[00:04:48]>> And that's pretty much about it.

[00:04:52]>> You left them with uh 11-year-old?

[00:04:54]>> No, with with her. I didn't know she was going to work.

[00:04:59]>> So, your story is different.

[00:05:01]>> I apologize. Can I stand with this officer, please?

[00:05:06]>> What happened, bro?

[00:05:09]>> That That's exactly what it is.

[00:05:11]So >> I need help. She was helping me, >> man. She just left. So you left the kids in her care. That's what you're telling me.

[00:05:19]>> And I was coming right back.

[00:05:21]>> Okay. Where were you going?

[00:05:22]>> I was going to the store and I was trying to get a part in the car.

[00:05:25]>> Okay.

[00:05:26]>> And they need diapers and wipes. I was also trying to get everything at once.

[00:05:29]>> Has this ever happened before?

[00:05:32]>> No. No sir. But what he does sometimes he will unlock the door and >> Yeah. things like that happen. I get that. You're never left alone. Ever.

[00:05:41]>> Okay.

[00:05:41]>> Cuz their mom isn't here and they're all I have. So >> So you did the responsible things.

[00:05:46]You're telling me you left your children in the care of your wife, girlfriend?

[00:05:53]>> Yes. My girlfriend.

[00:05:54]>> Okay. And she left the crib.

[00:05:58]>> Yes, sir.

[00:05:59]>> And left your kids alone within 11 hours.

[00:06:01]>> That's what you're telling me?

[00:06:03]>> I I I didn't know she had to be to work and was leaving. We didn't communicate that. So >> I get it. I'm I'm investigating because you understand. I get in a call for service. We come through and they're wandering on a parking garage and they can get hit by a car, bro. You know what I mean?

[00:06:17]>> Yes, sir.

[00:06:19]>> So, you know, good thing nothing happened. But so, I'm here trying to investigate. So, >> sir, do you have ID on you?

[00:06:26]>> Yes, sir.

[00:06:27]>> Um, >> let me get your ID. Would you like to fill out a statement for me on your side of the story?

[00:06:33]>> Yeah. Um, I guess if I have to.

[00:06:40]>> All right.

[00:06:41]>> Hold on.

[00:06:43]>> I appreciate it.

[00:06:45]>> So, you know, I'm conducting a criminal investigation. Am I saying I'm charging you with anything?

[00:06:50]>> But since I'm conducting investigation, uh, you're not free to leave. So, you can sit down right here with your kids.

[00:06:55]Yes, sir.

[00:06:56]>> I appreciate it.

[00:06:58]>> Did you get through these yet?

[00:06:59]>> Yeah, they are 51. It's going to be a while, though.

[00:07:02]>> That's my right.

[00:07:03]>> Yeah. Yeah.

[00:07:05]Uh I read it to her as well. Okay. So I just need to verbal yes or no. You have these uh you have the right to remain silent. You understand sir?

[00:07:10]>> Yes sir.

[00:07:11]>> Anything you say may be used against you in court. You understand sir? Yes sir.

[00:07:13]>> You have the right to talk to lawyer before and during question. You understand sir?

[00:07:16]>> Sir if you cannot afford a lawyer and want one will be provided for you before question without charge. You understand sir?

[00:07:22]>> Yes sir.

[00:07:22]>> Has anyone threatened to you or promise you anything? Come talk to me.

[00:07:25]>> All right. Uh sir. So >> the officer separated the two adult parties and interviewed them independently. a standard technique designed to surface inconsistencies between competing accounts. Before substantive questioning, the officer advised the father he was not free to leave. Under Terry versus Ohio, 392 US1, 1968, an officer possessing reasonable, articulable suspicion of a crime may briefly detain a person for investigation. Two unsupervised toddlers in a parking garage constitutes clear and sufficient grounds. The officer then administered Miranda warnings to both parties prior to formal questioning.

[00:08:05]Under Miranda versus Arizona 384, US 436, 1966, warnings are technically required only upon custodial interrogation following formal arrest. The officer's proactive advisement before arrest exceeded the constitutional minimum. This choice protects the integrity of any future prosecution by eliminating suppression risk.

[00:08:32]You left your children in the care of >> Okay. He which is your girlfriend?

[00:08:38]>> Yes.

[00:08:38]>> She lives with you?

[00:08:39]>> Yes.

[00:08:39]>> Yes.

[00:08:40]>> Okay.

[00:08:42]Um and where who were you again?

[00:08:45]>> I went to the store. I went check for the parts.

[00:08:49]>> Car gave me problems. Got it right.

[00:08:51]Can't straight.

[00:08:52]>> Okay.

[00:08:54]>> And then that's when she called and was like, "Hey, did you pick me up from work?" I'm like, "Could you get up from work?" She's like, "Yeah." Uh, I know that.

[00:09:01]>> Did you Did you know um did did you tell her that she was going to be here with the kids?

[00:09:08]>> Yes. I said stay. I'll be right back.

[00:09:10]>> Okay. And she knew the kids was going to be there with you.

[00:09:12]>> Yes. Because when she told me she needed to grab something from work or come back, I'm expecting that to happen.

[00:09:18]>> Okay.

[00:09:18]>> So, yeah.

[00:09:19]>> How you called my sister and then he was like she'll try, >> but she's going through more situations.

[00:09:24]So, >> I got you.

[00:09:26]Um, >> but once I once she called and was like, "Hey, I'm going need you to pick me up.

[00:09:30]Come pick you up." Automatically, they were here. So, I came, turn around, and >> I got you.

[00:09:38]>> This is where we're at.

[00:09:39]>> Um, >> I promise I never leave my family until they all I have.

[00:09:43]>> No, I got you.

[00:09:43]>> This is hard right now. I'm a single dad. I need all the help I can get.

[00:09:47]>> Um, have you have you left your kids alone with hell in the past?

[00:09:51]>> Always. And they're and they're always like fine. I call daily face them.

[00:09:54]Everything's good. This is the first time this has ever been something like this.

[00:09:58]>> Yeah.

[00:09:58]>> Ever. I've never just leave my kids alone.

[00:10:01]>> That's not what I do. You mean you went through a situation when we had a home invasion >> and they lost their mom.

[00:10:07]>> So they all I have >> Did Did she know that your kids were home though? Like you told her like >> Yes.

[00:10:15]>> Okay.

[00:10:17]>> She was telling me she needed to uh get something from work and come right back.

[00:10:21]I was expecting that. But then, like I said, when she contacted me and said, "I might need to get me." I'm thinking like, >> she was home with the kids.

[00:10:28]>> Yeah.

[00:10:28]>> Oh, I think your sister's going. I called my sister. She was like, "I can't make it."

[00:10:32]>> She's packing her stuff cuz her husband's going through it. She has to leave there. So, I'm like, "Let me just hurry up and get it."

[00:10:37]>> Okay.

[00:10:37]>> Because now I'm thinking they're there with my son. I'm calling him. He's not answering.

[00:10:42]>> Okay. So, let me let me So, let me get the gist of everything. Correct me if I'm wrong. Okay.

[00:10:47]>> So, you basically >> you basically went to the store to get car parts or whatnot.

[00:10:56]>> Um, you you left your children with an an adult.

[00:10:59]>> Yes.

[00:11:00]>> Who knew the children was there?

[00:11:01]>> Correct.

[00:11:02]>> This adult then left after assuming the responsibility of taking care of your kids.

[00:11:08]>> Yes.

[00:11:08]>> Okay. Um, and you guys been getting each other for how long?

[00:11:13]>> 4 years. That's what she said. Something like that.

[00:11:16]>> Relationship. guess. But as far as like knowing >> since almost like elementary, >> not going to say no for how many?

[00:11:21]>> For a long time. That's why I would trust her to just watch until I come back.

[00:11:24]>> Okay.

[00:11:25]>> Cuz I can't afford stuff at the moment because I'm going through where I'm trying to get state assistance.

[00:11:30]>> Okay.

[00:11:30]>> And they told me to let you know by Monday.

[00:11:34]>> And now we have this problem. So it's like, >> no, it's all good.

[00:11:37]>> It's not one thing, it's another, man.

[00:11:42]>> I already notified DCF.

[00:11:44]Um, doesn't mean they're going to take away your kids, but you understand. Uh, we were here with the kids for like almost an hour and we had we had to call them. You know what I mean?

[00:11:54]>> Um, but I'll call them back so they don't have to come.

[00:11:58]>> Please, man. They still come. They can >> I am just like I spoke to that gentleman over there. I am conducting a criminal investigation. So, I have to ask you questions. In order to ask you questions, I got to read you your rights. So, you understand? All right.

[00:12:12]This does not mean you're being arrested. does not mean you going to jail. All right. It means I have to ask you questions. Do you understand? I need a verbal yes or no.

[00:12:19]>> No. Yes.

[00:12:20]>> Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Do you understand, ma'am?

[00:12:23]>> Yes.

[00:12:23]>> Anything you say may be used against you in court. Do you understand?

[00:12:26]>> Yes.

[00:12:26]>> You have the right to talk to a lawyer before or during questioning. Do you understand?

[00:12:29]>> Yeah.

[00:12:30]>> If you cannot afford a lawyer and want one, one be provided for you before questioning without charges. Do you understand?

[00:12:35]>> Yes.

[00:12:36]>> Has anyone threatened you or promised you anything? That's all to me. The girlfriend's own admissions established the three elements required under section 827. First, caregiver status.

[00:12:45]She was the sole adult present when the father left. Second, knowledge. She acknowledged the children were present and in her care. Third, abandonment. She departed the apartment to go to work without arranging alternative supervision. Under subsection 2C, willful or culpably negligent neglect without resulting great bodily harm constitutes a felony of the third degree punishable under section 775.082.

[00:13:13]The officer's notification of the Florida Department of Children and Families was not discretionary. Florida statute section 39.201 designates law enforcement as mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Failure to report carries independent liability.

[00:13:32]DCF's follow-up investigation under section 39.301 was thereby initiated.

[00:13:38]>> No.

[00:13:39]>> Okay. Ma'am, you already lied to me earlier. What happened?

[00:13:44]>> I went I left to go to work and he said he going to come pick me up.

[00:13:50]>> That's not what you told me before.

[00:13:51]>> Yeah. You told me that you was with him and he's going to pick you up. That's what you told me.

[00:14:00]>> He can't pick me up.

[00:14:03]>> Keep it stacked with me. He He already kept it. He He keeping a thousand with me.

[00:14:07]>> I am.

[00:14:08]>> Are you?

[00:14:08]>> Yeah.

[00:14:10]>> So, you telling me you didn't leave the kids up there alone?

[00:14:12]>> Yeah, I did.

[00:14:13]>> So, you did?

[00:14:14]>> Yeah.

[00:14:14]>> Okay. Why would you leave a oneyear-old or a 2-year-old alone?

[00:14:20]>> I had a lot to do. I had to go to work.

[00:14:24]>> Ma'am, you see how neglectful that is?

[00:14:28]>> They just got You know where we found them?

[00:14:31]>> Yeah.

[00:14:31]>> In a parking garage wandering around.

[00:14:35]Do you understand?

[00:14:37]>> I'm probably Don't worry about it.

[00:14:39]I already saw it.

[00:14:41]>> Yeah. I should have just called it out.

[00:14:46]>> This has this ever happened before?

[00:14:48]>> No.

[00:14:51]Okay. Um, why would you leave to work and leave a one and two-year-old by themselves?

[00:15:00]>> Yeah. Well, I didn't have a transportation. I was trying to work, >> but I didn't think it would.

[00:15:06]>> But you knew that he left.

[00:15:08]>> Yeah.

[00:15:08]>> Okay. So, you know, he left the apartment to handle his business and he left his kids in your care.

[00:15:13]>> Yeah.

[00:15:14]>> And you still left the apartment.

[00:15:18]Okay, >> understood.

[00:15:22]>> I'm sorry.

[00:15:23]>> I already am, but you just trying to help.

[00:15:26]I'm so sorry. Okay, I got you. I'm going to get out of this.

[00:15:33]>> Let's examine the constitutional framework. The girlfriend was arrested on charges of child neglect and sentenced to 2 years of probation consistent with a standard first offender disposition for a thirdderee felony with no physical injury. The father was not charged. His account that he left the children with a trusted adult who then departed without authorization redirected criminal liability appropriately. The investigating officer receives an A minus. Miranda administered proactively to both parties. Investigative detention correctly grounded in Terry doctrine and clearly articulated to the subject. DCF notification fulfilled mandatory reporting obligations under Florida statute section 39. One deduction a single use of profanity on camera falls below professional communication standards. The father receives a B+. He cooperated fully waved Miranda and provided a credible account later corroborated by the girlfriend's own admissions. no criminal liability attached to his conduct. However, relying on a single adult caregiver with no confirmed backup for infants reflects a supervision gap that carries ongoing legal risk. Regardless of the outcome in this case, the girlfriend receives a C+.

[00:16:47]She ultimately admitted the material facts which facilitated the investigation and prosecution. She did not resist or obstruct. The deduction is significant. She knew she was the designated caregiver, knew the father was absent, and left anyway, satisfying the knowledge element that converted negligence into criminal liability.

[00:17:06]Three legal lessons emerge from this incident. First, caregiver status attaches by conduct, not by formal agreement. Accepting responsibility for a child, then departing does not extinguish that legal obligation.

[00:17:18]Second, Miranda advisement before arrest is a tactically sound prosecutorial protection, not a courtesy. Statements obtained without prior advisement risk suppression under the fifth amendment.

[00:17:30]Third, mandatory reporting under section 39.201 is non-discretionary for law enforcement. Omitting DCF notification in a child endangerment case exposes the officer to independent statutory liability. Let us know if there is an interaction or legal topic that you would like us to discuss in the comments below. Thank you for watching and don't forget to subscribe up to our channel for more content on police court interactions.