A Mt. Healthy mother is facing criminal charges after deputies say they found her two young children alone and playing by the side of the road. The kids, ages 6 and 1, were located outside their home in the Lyndale Court area, and police allege they had been left without supervision for an extended period. The mother, identified as 23-year-old Samia Burston, is now charged with two counts of child endangerment. Neighbors and officials told reporters the apartment where the children lived was in disarray and that there was no working way to contact emergency services from inside.
Police account of the scene
Deputies say they found the 6-year-old and 1-year-old playing by the road near their Lyndale Court apartment, and the children were taken into protective custody while the investigation continues, according to WKRC. The station reports officers described the apartment as disordered and said there was no way to contact emergency services from inside the unit.
Charges and court papers
Court papers show 23-year-old Samia Burston was charged with two counts of child endangering after the children were allegedly found unattended, according to WKRC. The documents state the children had been left alone for an extended period of time. Burston is expected to appear in court; details on bond or arraignment were not immediately available.
What the charge can mean
Under Ohio law, endangering children (R.C. 2919.22) covers conduct that creates a “substantial risk” to a child's health or safety and can range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a felony, depending on whether serious physical harm occurred or the offender has prior convictions. The statute allows courts to elevate penalties when harm results or other aggravating factors apply, according to the Ohio Revised Code. Local prosecutors decide what to file based on the evidence gathered and whether social-services agencies are involved.
Reporting and resources
If you suspect a child is in danger in Ohio, the state runs a 24/7 reporting number - 1-855-642-4453 (1-855-OH-CHILD) - and local Public Children Services Agencies handle investigations, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. For emergencies, call 911. Non-emergency concerns can be routed to the Hamilton County agency that handles child-protective cases. This story may be updated as court records and local officials release more information.
