(Gray News) – A mom in Georgia is facing jail time after her 10-year-old son walked less than a mile away from home by himself, according to multiple reports.
It all started on October 30, 2024, when 41-year-old Brittany Patters took another one of her kids to a doctor’s appointment.
She told ABC News that she received a call from the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office that her son, Soren left the family’s home in Mineral Bluff and wandered into town.
Soren was found by deputies less than a mile from the family’s home.
The 41-year-old mother said she was annoyed Soren didn’t tell her where he was going, but didn’t think anything else of it.
Soren was taken home by deputies and apologized for the miscommunication with his mother, which Patterson thought was the end of the situation.
However, officers returned hours later and she was arrested.
In the state, neglect by a parent can be defined as a “failure to provide a child with adequate supervision necessary for such child’s well-being,” according to a guideline.
Patterson was booked on suspicion of reckless conduct and posted a $500 bond.
Authorities have urged Patterson to sign a safety plan, which would require her to make sure her children are under a constant watchful eye.
She said she will not sign the form and will fight the charge.
“This is not right, I did nothing wrong,” Patterson said. “I’m going to fight for that.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for Patterson. So far, it has raised over $48,000.
If convicted, she could face up to one year in jail.
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