Mom charged with neglect after infant found unattended in Columbia

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A mother has been charged with neglect after allegedly abandoning her 9-month-old baby on Saturday.

Lillian K. Scruggs, 32, remained in the Boone County Jail on Monday on a $10,000 bond. She was arrested Saturday in the 700 block of Claudell Lane after the infant was found.

The Columbia Police Department put out a citywide alert when the child was reported missing. Police later said people known to Scruggs had taken the child to keep him safe in his mother's absence.

Scruggs was charged with a single count of child abuse and neglect. Her initial court appearance was set for Monday afternoon.

Scruggs allegedly told police that she had turned away while watching the child, and then he was gone. A witness told officers that Scruggs was passed out on the toilet and the child was gone when they arrived at the residence, according to a probable cause statement.

An officer wrote in the probable cause statement that Scruggs was "visibly under the influence" when police questioned her.

Two other witnesses also said they took the child for safekeeping.

A photo of Scruggs was not available on the Boone County Jail website.