A quiet Lake City street turned into a welfare check scene on Wednesday after a neighbor spotted a small child walking alone along NW Yates Loop and called authorities, according to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies arrived at a nearby home, where they say they found the child back inside the residence while two adults slept through the commotion. The child was placed into protective custody, and both adults were arrested and later booked into the county jail, officials said.
In its account of the incident, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office identified the adults as the child's mother, Ashton Seaira Marie Young (DOB 8/21/1996), and Brandon Emory Williams (DOB 4/8/1984). Both were booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility. The Department of Children and Families took custody of the child, the agency said.
What deputies say they found inside the home
Once inside the house, deputies reported finding drug paraphernalia and other signs of recent drug use, according to the sheriff's office. Young and Williams were both asleep when deputies made contact, authorities said.
Evidence and charges
Investigators say they found a used hypodermic needle resting on the edge of a bathtub and a box of additional needles on a bathroom counter. One of the needles contained a liquid that later tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office.
The sheriff's office says Young is charged with child neglect, possession of drug equipment, and possession of a controlled substance. Williams faces similar counts, along with a charge of providing a false name and an out-of-county warrant.
The post cites specific Florida statutes tied to the accusations, including F.S. 827.03 on child neglect, F.S. 893.147 on drug paraphernalia, and F.S. 893.13 on controlled substances.
What happens next
According to the sheriff's office, both suspects were booked into the county jail and remain in custody pending processing. The Department of Children and Families has assumed care of the child while investigators continue their probe and prosecutors review the case.
Legal implications
Under F.S. 827.03, child neglect covers a caregiver's failure to provide necessary supervision or care and can rise to a felony in more serious circumstances. Possession of drug paraphernalia under F.S. 893.147 is generally a first-degree misdemeanor, while possession of a controlled substance under F.S. 893.13 carries penalties that vary depending on the drug and the amount involved. Those statute texts are cited here for reference.
The Columbia County Sheriff's Office emphasized that a child's welfare is a top priority and said deputies will respond to reports of unattended or at-risk children. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact law enforcement.
