San Antonio police are sounding a clear warning to families after a recent spate of child‑abandonment arrests in the city and surrounding Bexar County. Detective Lisa Lamanna, who serves in the Special Victims Unit, told KSAT 12 that the safety of a child must come before a parent’s convenience. “If you’re running to the corner store, just take the child with you,” she said.
Recent arrests highlight the problem
In the past month, several adults have been taken into custody on child‑abandonment charges. Balcones Heights police arrested 22‑year‑old Mariana Soto Montezuma after a utility worker found a 5‑year‑old boy and a 4‑year‑old girl alone in an apartment on Gentleman Road. Soto Montezuma, the children’s aunt, was booked when she returned home.
About a week earlier, Bexar County deputies arrested 36‑year‑old Shaquitta Evans, who allegedly left three children—ages two, eight and eleven—unsupervised. A neighbor called deputies after one of the youngsters was seen begging for food. The affidavit noted the children only had canned goods and frozen meat available.
Last month, the sheriff’s office announced the arrests of 23‑year‑old Nataly Perez and 40‑year‑old Amber Robisheaux, accused of leaving four children home alone while they embarked on a crime spree. In October, SAPD arrested 28‑year‑old Passion Williams for leaving four children unattended in the common area of a Northeast‑side apartment complex.
What the law says
Texas state law does not set a specific age at which a child may be left alone, but the Department of Family and Protective Services recommends that children under five should not be left unattended. Lamanna explained that police consider several factors when deciding whether to file charges, including the child’s access to food, ability to call for help, and overall maturity. “Some 10‑year‑olds, 12‑year‑olds aren’t as mature as other 10‑ or 12‑year‑olds,” she said.
No excuse for abandonment
Lamanna emphasized that there is no legitimate excuse for abandoning a child. “If anybody is struggling with finding childcare, there are resources available,” she said, directing callers to the Department of Family and Protective Services website for assistance.
Community resources
Parents who need help finding safe, affordable childcare can explore local options such as church‑run programs, community centers, and state‑funded subsidies. The Department of Family and Protective Services maintains a searchable database of licensed providers and offers guidance on eligibility for financial aid.
Law enforcement officials urge residents to err on the side of caution. “The child should come first over your convenience,” Lamanna reiterated, reminding families that the safety of young children is a shared responsibility of parents, caregivers, and the community.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
