A Florida woman was arrested after deputies allegedly found her asleep behind the wheel of a parked car with three young children inside and methamphetamine in the vehicle.
Florida Woman Arrested on Drug and Child Neglect Charges
Amanda Lynn Burkes, 33, was taken into custody in Palatka, Florida, and faces several charges, including child neglect, methamphetamine trafficking, marijuana possession, and possession of drugs near a place of worship.
According to authorities, a deputy noticed Burkes’ black Chevrolet sedan parked near Midway Baptist Church late Sunday night. The vehicle remained in the same position for around 30 minutes, prompting the deputy to check on it.
Deputies Found Children Sleeping in Backseat
Investigators said Burkes was found asleep in the driver’s seat with drool running down her face. Three children between 7 months and 4 years old were asleep in the backseat.
Deputies also noted blankets had been placed between the front and back seats, blocking the driver’s view of the children.
Methamphetamine Found Inside Vehicle
After waking Burkes, deputies searched the car and allegedly found a box containing a glass pipe and several baggies filled with a crystal-like substance.
Authorities said the substance tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed about 28.2 grams.
Burkes reportedly admitted the marijuana belonged to her but claimed she did not know about the methamphetamine. She allegedly told investigators that a neighbor may have placed it in her vehicle earlier that day.
Children Released to Grandmother
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified after the arrest. Authorities later released the children into their grandmother’s custody.
Burkes was booked into the Putnam County Jail. Court records show her bond was later set at $73,500.
