MIAMI, Fla. – A Miami-area mother was arrested on four counts of child neglect after authorities said she left her four children home alone, including a 2-month-old baby and a 2-year-old, while she went on a Carnival cruise.
Nathalie Belizaire, 29, was taken into custody Monday as she stepped off the ship at the Port of Miami, according to CNN affiliate WSVN. North Miami Beach police had been waiting for her return.
Children found hiding in the bathroom
Investigators said Belizaire posted what appeared to be a Carnival cruise ticket on social media Sept. 24. That same day, she allegedly told a man believed to be the father of her 2-month-old daughter that she planned to leave the children with their great-grandmother.
Several days later, the man went to the home and discovered the children were alone. Police forced their way inside and found all four children hiding in a bathroom.
Body camera footage recorded the officers’ discovery of the children, who appeared shaken.
Infant among children left without supervision
Police said none of the four children had adult supervision. The youngest, a baby girl, was born in July of this year.
At a court hearing, the judge expressed disbelief that a newborn had been left alone.
“One baby, the baby was born in July of this year. Who just leaves a baby alone like that?” the judge said.
Mother arrested at port, placed in custody
Authorities determined that Belizaire had left town aboard the cruise ship. North Miami Beach officers arrested her Monday after she returned to the Port of Miami and disembarked.
A judge set Belizaire’s bond at $10,000 and prohibited her from contacting the children directly or indirectly, whether in person, in writing, by phone or through a third party. She must also remain at least 500 feet away from them at all times, including at their home and school.
