DeLand, FL - A call to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday afternoon resulted in a mother being transported to the Volusia County Jail. The call for assistance came from a Department of Children and Families services agent in regards to a three-year-old boy with down syndrome being left at home alone.
The mother, 39-year-old Shirlisa Hodge, first told deputies that her husband, Albert Hodge, Jr., usually came home for lunch and watch the boy while she went to pick up their six-year-old daughter from school. When she was asked again, Shirlisa Hodge admitted to leaving the boy for approximately 15 minutes while she went to get the other child. She told deputies that she wanted it noted that this was not an everyday thing.
Hodge told deputies that she put the boy in his room with the security gate closed. The deputy said in his report that the gate was knee high and able to be climbed over by the three-year-old boy. Hodge acknowledged that leaving the boy alone was negligent and reckless, especially because the boy is diagnosed with down syndrome.
DCF had already launched an investigation into the situation. The deputy observed no visible injuries on the boy. Shirlisa Hodge is facing one charge of child neglect without great harm with her bond set at $2,500. She remains in custody at the Volusia County Jail.
