In a shocking turn of events, a 33-year-old woman, Jessica Woods, was arrested in Palatka, Florida after allegedly abandoning her 18-month-old daughter. The incident, which unfolded on March 5, 2024, has left the community in shock and raised questions about the support available to struggling parents.
(Image via Wikipedia/Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
Woods had been spotted loitering around the business with her daughter for several days before an anonymous citizen intervened. Concerned for the welfare of the child, the citizen approached Woods to offer assistance.
Woods reportedly offered to sell her child to the citizen for $500.00. When the offer was refused, she walked away, leaving her daughter behind.
The citizen acted quickly, scooping up the toddler and taking her to the Palatka Police Department. Officers, along with the assistance of the Department’s Victim Advocate, provided immediate care to the child until the Department of Children and Families intervened and took custody of her. The child has since been placed in foster care, where she is receiving the support and care she needs.
Following an investigation into the incident, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Woods, charging her with child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. She was apprehended on March 7, 2024, and transported to the Putnam County Jail and is being held on $255,000 bail according to jail records.
This troubling incident serves as a reminder of the challenges some parents face and the importance of community support systems. As the case unfolds, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children in our communities.
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