North Charleston police have arrested 29‑year‑old Janaina Ferreira after eight children were found alone inside her apartment during a fire at Arbor Square Apartments.
What officers found
Emergency crews responded about 2:30 p.m. to reports of a structure fire at Arbor Square Apartments in North Charleston. When firefighters entered, they discovered eight children in the apartment with no adult present, though the fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported.
Ferreira arrived at the scene shortly afterward with several additional children and was identified as the apartment’s resident.
Charges and investigation
Police determined that Ferreira had allegedly been operating an unlicensed daycare out of the apartment. She was charged with eight counts of unlawful conduct toward a child and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
Authorities contacted the children’s parents and notified the South Carolina Department of Social Services, while fire investigators continue to examine the cause of the blaze.
If you want, I can also explain how such “unlawful conduct toward a child” charges usually work in South Carolina or what local parents are doing in response.
