A Florida mother has been arrested for leaving her four children alone to go on a cruise, ABC News reports.
In late September, 29-year-old Natalie Belizaire—a mother of four, including a two-month-old infant and a two-year-old girl—left the children alone in her apartment to embark on a three-day cruise aboard the Carnival Conquest.
On September 26, the infant’s father, Leter Bazile, grew concerned about the children—who were supposed to be under the care of their great-grandmother—and decided to check on them. Upon hearing the children talking and seeing the television on, he called the police. Responders found all four children unaccompanied by adults; they were huddled together, hiding in the bathroom.
According to the police, Belizaire had discussed childcare arrangements with relatives before leaving, but in reality, no one stayed with the children. Her brother confirmed she had asked him to check on them, while the great-grandmother stated that the mother had promised to bring the children to her but never did.
Belizaire arrived at the Port of Miami on September 28, where police were waiting for her. She faces four charges of child neglect. The potential penalty she faces has not been specified.
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