Florida Casino Visitor Arrested After Her Soiled Baby Was Left Alone on Christmas Eve

A woman faces charges of child neglect after her baby was discovered alone in a stroller at the entrance of Florida’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood on Christmas Eve. 

Local authorities were notified and found the baby who was abandoned on Tuesday close to a bell desk staff member. 

A little while later, the baby's mother, Rubi C. Verduzco, 29, visiting from Bethany, Okla., was detained regarding the event. 

Diaper Was Dirty 

“[The] infant [was] wearing a soiled diaper in a stroller out in the open elements,” according to a police report quoted by Florida TV station WTVJ.

Just hours before Christmas, three men left the child at the bell desk near the casino’s Old Main Entrance and then departed. A worker at the casino notified the Seminole Police Department and stayed with the child until a tribal police officer showed up. 

Approximately 15 minutes later, Verduzco arrived at the bell station. It was uncertain if she returned voluntarily or was notified about the situation by police or casino staff. 

An officer stated that Verduzco seemed to be intoxicated. According to police, her eyes were red and teary, her words were muddled, and her breath reeked of alcohol. 

Unaware of Child's Birth Date 

Verduzco seemed perplexed and was unaware of the baby's birthdate. According to the police report, she was unable to reveal “who, where, or how long she had left her baby." 

According to police, Verduzco's identity was verified through a medical marijuana card issued in Oklahoma. 

Verduzco was admitted to Broward County’s Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale, where bail was established at $2,500. 

An officer allowed Verduzco to contact a man she claimed was the father of the baby. At first, he informed the authorities that he was in Oklahoma. Subsequently, he asserted that he was in Orlando, Fla., but could not assure he would be able to collect the child from the gaming venue. 

The man informed the officer that the infant should be placed in the care of state authorities, as reported by WTVJ. Florida radio station WOOD reported that he also suggested Verduzco should be arrested. 

The officer subsequently notified the Florida Department of Children and Families. The agency took custody of the child. 

The local media did not report the child’s age or gender. It was also uncertain why Verduzco was at the casino or how the three men obtained temporary custody of the baby. 

According to online jail records, it seems Verduzco was set free from jail later that week. The matter was handed to local prosecutors.