Crime & Safety
Police Identify Babysitter Who Abandoned Children on New Year's Eve
Smith is not the father of any of his girlfriend's children.
Justin Jeff Smith was supposed to be watching his girlfriend's children on New Year's Eve while she worked. Instead, police believe, he left them alone in the University Gardens apartment where they live.
According to a story in the Athens Banner Herald, Smith, 21, has been charged with three counts each of cruelty to children and reckless conduct. One of the children, a year-old boy, was found wandering on Baxter Drive, naked around 8:30pm on New Year's Eve. His 6-month-old twin sisters were at home alone.
The story says police hadn't found Smith as of Monday, but he lists Bethel Homes as his last address. Authorities are certain he will soon be caught. The mother has custody of her children, but a caseworker from DFACS is now supervising the family.
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Naked Toddler Found Wandering at Night Near Baxter Street
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