Leesburg, Florida — A Florida woman is facing child neglect charges after police say she left a child she was responsible for babysitting home alone overnight, leading to a medical emergency that resulted in the child being hospitalized.
According to investigators, the child eventually sought help from a neighbor during the early morning hours before being transported to a local hospital, where medical staff discovered the child had tested positive for THC.
Authorities continue investigating how the child gained access to the substance.
Child Reportedly Sought Help From Neighbor
According to an arrest affidavit, officers with the Leesburg Police Department responded to UF Health Hospital in Leesburg around 1:30 a.m. on June 19 after medical staff contacted law enforcement about a child brought in by a concerned neighbor.
The neighbor reportedly told police that the child arrived at their home around 1 a.m., asking to be taken to the hospital after falling from a bed.
The neighbor also informed officers that no adult was present inside the home when the child sought help.
Police said the child appeared weak, lethargic, and ill upon arriving at the neighbor’s residence. Medical testing later showed the child had THC in their system, according to investigators.
Police Say Babysitter Left Home Overnight
During the investigation, officers contacted members of the child’s family, who were reportedly out of state in Georgia at the time.
Family members told investigators that Maribel Plaza, 29, was the only adult entrusted with caring for the child while they were away.
According to police, the child later stated that Plaza had left the residence around 10 p.m. the previous evening and that no other adult arrived to supervise them.
Investigators eventually contacted Plaza by telephone. Police said she initially told officers she believed the child’s family would be returning later that evening.
However, according to the affidavit, Plaza later admitted she left the child alone so she could spend the night at her boyfriend’s home.
Investigation Focuses on THC Exposure
As part of the investigation, officers questioned Plaza about how the child may have tested positive for THC.
According to police, Plaza said she had stored CBD oil inside a bathroom medicine cabinet and THC gummies in a freezer.
Investigators said both locations were accessible to the child.
Police stated that Plaza denied giving the child any substances and told investigators she did not believe the child knew what the products were.
Authorities also noted that the child was unable to explain exactly what had been consumed.
Investigators have not publicly released the child’s age or provided additional details regarding the child’s medical condition following treatment.
Babysitter Charged With Child Neglect
Police arrested Plaza on June 19 on a charge of child neglect. Jail records show she later posted a $5,000 bond and was released the same day.
According to court records, her next scheduled court appearance is set for July 13. The criminal charge remains an allegation, and Plaza is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Meanwhile, investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the child gained access to the THC-containing products.
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of securely storing medications and cannabis products, particularly in homes where children may be present.
What are your thoughts on safe storage practices for medications and cannabis products around children? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.