News Summary
A 66-year-old woman, Mary Bartholomew, has been arrested in Jacksonville for child neglect after authorities found a 12-year-old boy in her care living in horrifying conditions. The child was discovered near death, malnourished, and suffering from severe neglect. Investigators revealed shocking details about his care, raising public outrage and concern about child protection systems in the community. Bartholomew’s legal proceedings are set to unfold in the coming weeks as the community grapples with the implications of this disturbing case.
Jacksonville Caregiver Arrested for Child Neglect After Disturbing Discovery
In a distressing story coming from Jacksonville, a 66-year-old woman named Mary Bartholomew has been arrested on charges of child neglect. The case emerged when authorities discovered a 12-year-old boy in her care living in conditions that can only be described as horrifying. The child was found near death and covered in feces, raising alarm bells about his well-being and the care he was receiving.
The Startling Revelation
It all began when the First Coast Child Protection Team received an anonymous tip, sparking an investigation into Bartholomew’s care of the boy. When officials went to her home, they were hit with a scene that would shock anyone. The boy was described as being trapped in a fetal position for nearly six months, unable to walk or speak. The investigators found him suffering from severe skin ulcers and infested with lice, making it clear he had been neglected in the most unimaginable ways.
Investigating the Caregiver
During questioning, Bartholomew claimed she had been looking after the boy since September 2021, at the request of his father, who asked her to adopt him. However, there’s a twist: she never sought legal guardianship or any official power of attorney status for the child. This raises questions about how seriously she took her responsibilities and the boy’s welfare.
Bartholomew stated that her approach to feeding the boy was simply inadequate. She mentioned she provided him with 8 ounces of cow’s milk five to six times a day, accompanied by pureed food. Health experts quickly flagged this as nutritionally insufficient, contributing significantly to the boy’s alarming condition. Weighing in at only 30 pounds, he presented clear signs of severe malnutrition.
Health Consequences
Doctors who examined the child reported that he had not received proper medical care for years. The boy was found to be suffering from severe anemia and noticeable muscle wasting attributed to malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies. The doctor reviewed his living conditions and warned that they posed an imminent danger to his health. Without immediate intervention, there was a considerable risk that he could perish from various infections.
Worryingly, photographs presented during the investigation showed the boy’s living conditions in shocking detail. Large open sores covered his body, alongside dirty fingernails, unbrushed teeth, and matted hair filled with debris and lice. This evidence has undoubtedly fueled public outrage and concern.
Legal Proceedings
Following her arrest on March 27, 2023, Bartholomew was taken into custody, and the boy was urgently transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital for treatment. After posting a bond of $2,503, she was released the following day on March 28. While this might seem like a small relief for the woman, the real focus remains on the well-being of the child.
Bartholomew is set to appear in Duval County Circuit Court for arraignment on April 17. As the legal proceedings unfold, many in the community will be eager to hear how this case progresses and what future actions will be taken to protect vulnerable children.
Community Reaction
This case has raised significant concern among Jacksonville residents about the systems in place to protect children in need. It serves as a grim reminder of how important it is to be vigilant and ensure that children are provided with the care and affection they deserve. As more details emerge, the story continues to highlight a pressing need for awareness and advocacy on behalf of children who cannot advocate for themselves.
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