An Oklahoma woman, Rubi Verduzco, 29, was arrested on Christmas Eve for allegedly abandoning her baby at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Verduzco is facing two felony charges of child neglect after her infant was found alone and unattended at the casino.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Seminole Police Department, an officer responded to the scene after receiving reports of an abandoned baby.
Upon arrival, the officer found the infant “wearing a soiled diaper out in the open elements.” The baby had reportedly been left at the casino’s bell desk by three men, who then walked away, leaving the child alone for approximately 30 minutes before the officer arrived.
The affidavit details that Verduzco appeared at the casino 15 minutes later, stating she had been involved in a fight with her “baby daddy.”
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She claimed the baby had been left with “some unknown friends,” but she could not name them. Verduzco also appeared intoxicated, displaying signs of alcohol consumption such as slurred speech and bloodshot eyes.
Verduzco’s statements to police about her child’s name were inconsistent, and she was unable to provide the baby’s date of birth.
The affidavit notes that she called a man, who claimed to be the baby’s father, but further investigation revealed his whereabouts were unclear.
Initially, he claimed to be in Oklahoma but later stated he was in Orlando and unsure if he could come to retrieve the child.
Verduzco was arrested for neglecting to care for her child, as she could not account for the length of time the baby had been abandoned or provide adequate details about the situation.
This shocking incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the infant, who is now in state custody.