ABC News reports that two Houston women are facing disturbing charges of child endangerment and abandonment after they allegedly used children to steal donations from charity boxes.
Miriam Judith Miranda and Lisset Valencia were accused by police of placing 11-year-old girls into a donation box in Lake Jackson in order to get the items inside. At least one of the kids was Ms. Miranda's daughter. A witness called authorities to report the incident.
Police then pulled over the van with the children inside and found the items that were believed to be stolen. When the police officers talked to the children, Lt. Rick Park said that the kids seemed embarrassed and felt bad for being involved in the theft incident. Ms. Miranda and Ms. Valencia were arrested and both remain in jail, with their bond set at $20,000 each.
This story could eventually involve Texas family law attorneys, because in some extreme situations, a child endangerment conviction can lead to the termination of parental rights. Section 161.001 of the Texas Family Code states the general grounds for the involuntary termination of a parent-child relationship. Knowingly placing a child in conditions or surroundings which endanger the physical or emotional well-being of the child is considered grounds for termination. Termination suits can either be filed by a private party or a governmental entity.
The children involved with the theft of the charitable donations are now reportedly with their father and a caretaker, according to ABC News. If the mother faces trouble keeping custody of her children, she can call a Houston family law attorney for help with representation.
Related Resources:
- Checklist: Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights (FindLaw)
- Terminating Parental Rights (Houston Family Law Blog)
- See a Houston Family Law Attorney (FindLaw)
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