A babysitter left a child unsupervised in a home while she spent the night with her boyfriend, resulting in the child accessing adult drugs stored in the residence, according to police reports.
Plaza served as the sole adult caregiver during a multi-day period when the child's parents traveled to Georgia. Instead of remaining at the home to watch the child, Plaza abandoned her childcare duties to stay elsewhere overnight.
The child subsequently obtained what law enforcement describes as "candy" stored in the home. The term references drugs kept by an adult resident. The child's access to these substances occurred during the period when Plaza failed to supervise the minor.
A family member confirmed Plaza's role as the designated caregiver during a video call interview with police. This confirmation establishes that the parents explicitly entrusted Plaza with sole responsibility for the child's safety and welfare.
The incident raises serious legal questions regarding Plaza's criminal liability. Depending on jurisdiction, charges could include child endangerment, child abandonment, or reckless endangerment. Criminal statutes in most states impose a duty on caregivers to provide adequate supervision and protection from hazards. Plaza's departure from the home without arranging substitute care directly violated this obligation.
Additionally, the parents face potential liability for negligent retention of a caregiver and inadequate supervision by failing to secure medications or controlled substances in child-proof containers. Many states require caregivers to maintain safe environments for minors in their charge.
The severity of charges depends on whether the child suffered physical injury from the substance exposure and the substance's identity. If the substances caused medical harm, felony charges become likely. Even absent serious injury, the abandonment and access to adult drugs creates a documented child welfare concern that may trigger involvement by child protective services.
This case underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting and monitoring of childcare providers, as well as parents' obligation