Neglected Children Left Alone as Mother Travels to Florida

A Westlake, Ohio woman has been found guilty of endangering her three young children by leaving them home alone while she traveled to Florida. The case came to light when a teacher reported the 7-year-old girl's claims that she was home alone with her twin and 10-year-old sisters. The subsequent police investigation uncovered a troubling situation, leading to the mother's conviction on two counts of child endangerment.

Shocking Neglect Uncovered as Mother Prioritizes Personal Trip Over Children's Safety

Concerned Teacher Alerts Authorities to Children Left Unsupervised

A Westlake City Schools special education teacher made a concerning call to the police on February 22nd after one of her students, a 7-year-old girl, revealed that she was home alone with her twin sister and 10-year-old sibling. The child told the teacher that their mother, Dominique Knowles, was in Texas and checking on them via video while arranging for food to be delivered.

Police Discover Deplorable Conditions in Unsupervised Apartment

When officers arrived at the Detroit Road apartment, they found the three children home alone, with the residence in a state of disarray. The officer noted that the apartment was "in shambles," with "clothing, food, trash, and an unknown liquid covering the floor." Furniture and storage boxes were haphazardly stacked, and the overall environment was described as smelling of "old food and body odor."

Grandmother Intervenes to Care for Neglected Children

The girls initially told police that their mother had not left them alone, but officers were skeptical of their story. They were able to track down the children's grandmother, who responded to the residence and took over their care. The grandmother informed the police that Knowles was not out of state and had her infant son with her, contradicting the children's earlier claims.

Mother Admits to Leaving Children Unsupervised, Travels to Florida

Four days after the incident, Knowles was interviewed by police, where she admitted that she believed her 10-year-old daughter could provide adequate care for the younger children while she was away. Knowles refused to disclose her whereabouts during the period of February 21-25, but she did confirm that she had not left Ohio. However, the police investigation revealed that Knowles had actually traveled to Miami, Florida, the day before the welfare check was conducted. She claimed she was traveling to support a friend undergoing liposuction surgery.

Mother Convicted of Endangering Children, Faces Potential Jail Time

Westlake Law Director Michael Maloney stated that Knowles was found guilty on two misdemeanor counts of endangering children during a bench trial. She now faces up to six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for each count. The sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday in the Rocky River Municipal Court.This case highlights the serious consequences of neglecting children's well-being and the importance of responsible parenting. The Westlake community and authorities have taken a strong stance against such irresponsible behavior, sending a clear message that the safety and well-being of children must be the top priority.