INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 28-year-old woman was arrested after a resident found a toddler with a heavily-soiled diaper walking alone on a dirt road, deputies said.
The woman, identified as Ashley Nicole Lott, told deputies she was visiting her husband at the St. Lucie County Jail at the time, reports show. Lott told deputies her mother was supposed to be watching the toddler and a second child, which her mother denied.
Ashley Lott
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Deputies arrested Lott, of the 100 block of 16th Avenue, on a charge of child neglect. Lott was held Wednesday at the Indian River County Jail on $5,000 bond.
A motorist called deputies about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday after spotting the 2-year-old boy, who had a diaper that sagged to his feet, walking on 1st Street. The motorist took the toddler back to the residence where the boy lived, reports show.
It was unclear how the motorist knew the child. Deputies said the motorist tried to contact the boy’s parents, but was unsuccessful.
Deputies went to the home and spoke with a 9-year-old girl who was asleep before they arrived.
The girl told deputies Lott left several hours ago. She also said Lott told her to take a nap with the boy and that she would return shortly, reports show.
The relationship between the girl and Lott was not immediately available. Lott then pulled into the driveway and spoke with deputies.
Lott said her mother was supposed to be watching the two children and must have left to go to bingo, authorities said. Deputies called Lott’s mother, who also lived at the home, but was not there at the present time.
Lott’s mother said she left earlier that morning to run errands, reports show. When she left, Lott and the children were home watching television in the living room, deputies said.
Lott’s mother said she was not aware Lott left the children home unattended.
Deputies arrested Lott and took her to the county jail. Lott has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. July 3, court records show.