The mother of a toddler who nearly drowned in a lake near their apartment complex in April appeared in court for the first time Wednesday.
Court records show Francesca Geller was arrested on a single count of child neglect causing great bodily harm. The West Palm Beach Police Department noted the incident left the 21-month-old boy permanently disabled.
The probable cause affidavit against Geller, 31, alleged she had used marijuana prior to her son walking away from the house and not securing a sliding door that led to the lake even though there were young children in the home.
According to the West Palm Beach Police Department, Geller was with her two children at their home, on Brandywine Road, on the morning of April 10, when she went to the bathroom. As she was washing her hands, Geller heard her other child, who was in the living room say, “baby, baby.”
Geller told investigators she scrambled to search for her son before seeing the sliding glass door was open. She ran outside, looked to her left, and that’s when she saw the toddler face down in the water, about five feet from shore, the affidavit continued. Geller recalled the child’s body and lips were blue, and he was limp.
She pulled the toddler from the water and rushed back to the complex to get help. Bystanders who were at the scene began to administer CPR until paramedics from the West Palm Beach Fire Department arrived and took over life-saving procedures.
After the toddler was taken to the hospital, doctors determined the boy, who was three months shy of his second birthday, would have permanent brain damage, speech disabilities, as well as mobility and motor skills disabilities, the affidavit states. It was estimated the child was underwater for between five and ten minutes.
When Geller was questioned, investigators reported that she admitted to having smoked marijuana approximately an hour before the incident, and they noted that she would likely have still been high when the child walked off.
During her first appearance, the Palm Beach County judge set bond for Geller at $50,000 and ordered her to return to court next month.
Child neglect is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on a child’s well-being and development. At Ovadia Law Group, we understand the gravity of these situations and are committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable children. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. We take a compassionate yet aggressive approach to these cases, ensuring that justice is served and that the child’s best interests are prioritized. Whether it involves investigating neglectful conditions or advocating for the child’s safety, our team is here to provide the legal support you need. Don’t let child neglect go unaddressed—contact Ovadia Law Group today at 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and let us help you safeguard the future of your child.
Source: cbs12
