ALDERSON, W.Va. (WVDN) — A father in Greenbrier County faces charges of child neglect after his juvenile daughter was found locked out of their home for several hours.
The incident unfolded on the evening of June 12, when a Deputy with the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call on Maple Ave E. in Alderson. According to reports, the young girl had been locked outside her residence for an extended period, hesitant to wake her father for help.
Upon arriving at the scene, the deputy discovered the juvenile in the company of other minors. A witness reportedly informed authorities that an officer with the Alderson Police Department was en route and he had requested assistance from Child Protective Services.
Sources indicated that the initial caller had stayed with the juvenile for approximately 30 to 60 minutes before seeking guidance from emergency services. Additionally, another witness allegedly reported seeing the child unaccompanied at a local farmers market the previous day.
Officers proceeded to the residence of Robert Latham, who was identified as the child’s father. Latham allegedly confessed to consuming a significant amount of alcohol and Tramadol before falling asleep.
Subsequent testing reportedly revealed Latham’s blood alcohol content to be .085.
Child Protective Services intervened, placing the juvenile and a sibling in the care of a family member. Meanwhile, Latham was transported to the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office for questioning after being informed of his Miranda Rights.
During the interview, Latham reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol and a large dosage of Tramadol. He expressed uncertainty about his daughter’s interactions with him at home due to his impaired state.
Robert Latham now faces charges of child neglect with risk of injury in connection with the incident.
At the time of writing, Latham is not listed as an inmate in the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation database.
