Child left home alone by babysitter, who went to spend the night with her boyfriend, got hold of the grown-up's 'candy': Police

• WHO: Maribel Plaza, 29, accused of child neglect. Child (age undisclosed) was victim.
• WHAT: Allegedly left child alone, leading to the child ingesting THC.
• WHERE: Leesburg, Florida.
• WHEN: Incident reported to police around 1:30 a.m. on June 19. Plaza arrested June 19.
• STATUS: Plaza released on $5,000 bond; court date set for July 13.

A Florida woman faces child neglect charges after allegedly leaving a child she was babysitting unsupervised, resulting in the child reportedly ingesting THC, according to authorities.

Maribel Plaza, 29, was booked into the Lake County Jail in connection with the incident in Leesburg, Florida. She has since been released on bond, court records show.

What Happened

According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, officers from the Leesburg Police Department were called to UF Health Hospital in Leesburg around 1:30 a.m. on June 19. Medical staff reported a child had been brought to the hospital by a neighbor.

The neighbor informed police that the child had knocked on their door around 1 a.m., requesting to be taken to the hospital after reportedly falling off a bed. The neighbor told authorities there was no adult present at the residence with the child. Police said the child was described as "weak, sick, and lethargic" when encountered by the neighbor. At the hospital, the child tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, according to the affidavit.

Police contacted the child's family, who confirmed via video call that Plaza was the designated caregiver while they were out of state. The child, once awake, told police that Plaza had left them alone around 10 p.m. the previous night. Plaza later admitted to police that she left the child at the family's home to spend the night at her boyfriend's residence. Regarding the presence of THC, Plaza told police she had CBD oil in the bathroom medicine cabinet and THC gummies in the freezer, both accessible to the child, but denied giving the child any substances.

The Charges Explained

Maribel Plaza faces a charge of child neglect. In Florida, child neglect generally involves a caregiver's failure to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child's physical and mental health. This can include failure to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The specific severity of the charge can vary depending on whether the neglect causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child, or if it is without such consequences.

How These Cases Move Through Court

In Florida's state court system, a criminal case typically begins with an arrest, followed by a first appearance before a judge where bond may be set. The defendant is formally charged, often through an information filed by the prosecutor or an indictment issued by a grand jury. The defendant then enters a plea, such as not guilty. Discovery proceedings allow both sides to gather evidence. If no plea agreement is reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury determines guilt or innocence. If found guilty, sentencing occurs according to state statutes.

Context & Background

Child neglect cases underscore the responsibilities associated with childcare. Caregivers are legally and morally obligated to ensure a safe and supervised environment for children under their watch. State laws like those in Florida define the standards of care expected, and failure to meet these standards can lead to criminal charges.

Drug-related incidents involving children highlight the dangers of improper storage of substances. Even products such as CBD oil or THC gummies, if not secured, can pose significant risks if ingested by children, who may mistake them for candy or other benign items.

Recognizing and Reporting Drug Trafficking

While this particular case involves child neglect related to drug ingestion, reporting suspicious activities related to drug manufacturing, distribution, or trafficking is crucial for public safety. Anyone with information about potential drug trafficking can contact local law enforcement. For federal crimes, the FBI can be reached at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or in emergencies, individuals should dial 911.

What Happens Next

Maribel Plaza is scheduled to appear in court on July 13, where further proceedings in her child neglect case are expected to occur. At this hearing, an arraignment may take place, or subsequent steps in the legal process may be addressed by the court.