This story has hit the media like a wildfire, and it’s spreading fast! As a city whose media presence has been associated with all manner of controversies in recent years, from the Flint water crisis to the FBI’s claim that it’s the most dangerous city in the nation, this Michigan city has had more than its fair share of controversy. But this latest story has once again put the city of Flint on the media map, and the attention isn’t pretty.
It all started when officers arrived to help CPS remove her children…
According to the Flint Police Department, officers were dispatched about 2 pm to help Child Protective Services workers at an address where four children were due to be removed from their mother’s custody. AS officers arrived, they noted a woman putting numerous items out on the curb, including some bags of garbage and a suitcase. She then fled the area on foot, and officers chased her.
The chase was brief, and police caught up to her quickly, arresting her on the spot. They then returned to the scene and entered the house to help CPS workers locate and remove the children. But only two of the four children were there. Where were the youngest children – 11 month old baby girls? Officers searched the area and finally located them… inside the suitcase that their mother had placed at the curb with the garbage.
The baby girls were unharmed, but the mother will face charges anyway…
The four children were immediately taken to Hurley Medical Center, where they were checked out and determined to be in good health. The mother, later identified as 26-year-old Katrina Childress, who had been arrested after running from the scene, was charged with two counts of Second Degree Child Abuse, and two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment.
In Michigan, Second Degree Child Abuse refers to a parent or guardian’s willful failure to provide the food, clothing, or shelter a child needs for their basic welfare, which then results in serious physical harm to the child.
This is not Childress’ first encounter with CPS!
According to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, Childress has a history of involvement with CPS. He also noted that the home she and her children were living in was in “deplorable condition.” When asked about Childress’ history with the agency, Leyton said, “All we know about mom is that she has been on MDDHS’s radar before and they were aware of her. At one point in the past she was put on medication for mental illness. It’s our understanding that she went off her medication and started acting erratically.”
As a result of Childress’ history with mental illness and prescription inconsistencies, she will be undergoing a mental evaluation. However, mental illness aside, given the way Michigan tends to handle these types of situations, she is likely looking at decades behind bars! Unfortunately, prison is a notoriously terrible place to be when you have mental health issues, and also the last place where you are likely to get the help you need to address those issues!
Have you been accused of child abuse in Michigan?
Being accused of abusing or neglecting a child is a terrifying proposition for any parent! In many cases the allegations are entirely unjustified. But there is hope! At The Kronzek Firm we have spent decades helping parents fight the invasive arm of child protective services. Our skilled CPS defense attorneys have spent decades fighting for parents rights and helping to keep families together. We can help you too! Call 866 766 5245 today and discuss your case with someone who can make a difference!