A Florida mother is behind bars after deputies discovered her unconscious behind the wheel of her car — with three young children asleep in the backseat and a large amount of drugs hidden inside.
Where Did This Happen?
The incident took place late Sunday evening outside Midway Baptist Church along Bardin Road in Palatka, Florida, in Putnam County.
What Did Deputies Find?
A Putnam County Sheriff’s deputy first noticed the black Chevrolet sedan parked near the church while responding to a separate call. Returning 30 minutes later, the vehicle had not moved.
Upon approaching, deputies found Amanda Lynn Burkes, 33, slumped over the driver’s seat, unresponsive.
In the backseat, three children — ages 7 months to 4 years old — were asleep. Blankets had been hung between the front and rear seats, blocking the driver’s view of the children.
What Was Found in the Car?
After waking Burkes and asking her to step out, deputies searched the vehicle and found:
- A glass smoking pipe
- Baggies of white crystal substance
- Total drug weight: 28.2 grams
A field test confirmed the substance was methamphetamine — enough to qualify as trafficking amounts.
What Did the Mom Say?
Burkes admitted the marijuana was hers but claimed a neighbor named “Eddie” may have placed the methamphetamine in her car without her knowledge. She also said she had stopped at McDonald’s and did not know how long she and her children had been asleep roadside.
What Are the Charges?
Burkes was charged with:
- 3 counts of child neglect
- Trafficking in amphetamines
- Meth possession within 1,000 feet of a place of worship
- Marijuana possession
- Possession of drug equipment
- Possession of a vehicle for drug activity
What Happened to the Children?
The Department of Children and Families was notified. All three children were released into the custody of their grandmother.
What About Burkes?
Burkes was taken to Putnam County Jail and initially held without bond. A judge later set her bond at $73,500.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
