A Kentucky mother who allegedly abandoned her young children at a stranger’s home while she went to obtain illegal drugs has been arrested and is facing multiple criminal charges, authorities say.
Crystal Neal, 40, of Richmond, Kentucky, was booked into the Madison County Detention Center under no bond. She faces four counts each of first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 years or younger and abandonment of a minor, jail records show.
What Happened
On Saturday, Neal’s 11-year-old child was at a friend’s home in Richmond — a city roughly 30 miles southeast of Lexington. According to police, Neal arrived and dropped off her three other children, ages 6, 5, and 2, telling them she was going to pick up McDonald’s for everyone.
She never asked the homeowner for permission, and she never came back — at least not right away.
The homeowner, confused and concerned, called the Richmond Police Department to report that a woman had left multiple young children at the residence without explanation or consent.
The Moment That Alarmed Officers
With no adult supervision, the situation quickly became dangerous. At some point, Neal’s 2-year-old wandered out of the home and ran into the street, reportedly searching for her mother. The toddler narrowly avoided being struck by a vehicle.
Officers arrived and attempted to reach Neal by phone six times. The 11-year-old also tried calling her mother repeatedly. Neither got a response.
Nearly 30 minutes after police arrived — and approximately three hours after Neal had dropped the children off — she finally returned.
What She Told Police
Officers interviewed Neal and reviewed her phone. She allegedly admitted she had been trying to obtain illegal drugs during the time her children were left alone and unattended.
The children were also interviewed separately. Their responses were telling. One child said they weren’t sure whether their mother would ever come back. Another, upon seeing Neal return, said simply: “You left us, mom.”
What’s Next
Neal is scheduled to appear in court on May 20 for a preliminary hearing. It is unclear whether the children have been placed in the care of another family member or child protective services.
Richmond is located in Madison County in central Kentucky.
