A Georgia mother of three has been arrested after allegedly abandoning her special needs child, leaving them alone and confined in a bedroom for three days without supervision. Kathleen Swanton, a resident of LaGrange, reportedly left her home on July 25 with two of her children, but left the third behind.
Authorities believe the child, who has special needs, remained alone in the home until police discovered them on July 28. Swanton was taken into custody by the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office on July 30. Her current location is listed as pending transfer to the Troup County Jail, where she will face multiple serious charges related to the incident.
According to LaGrange Police, officers were dispatched to the residence after receiving a welfare concern. Upon arrival, they found the child alone and confined to a bedroom. Police believe the child had been left in that condition for the full three days.
The department’s Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case, which continues to develop. Swanton now faces a list of charges, including first-degree cruelty to children under the Family Violence Act, child abandonment, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and three counts of false imprisonment—also under the Family Violence Act, reports 11Alive.
Authorities have not released specific details about the child’s condition at the time of discovery, including whether they had access to food or water during the three-day period. The child’s current welfare status remains undisclosed.
The disturbing case adds to a recent string of incidents involving child neglect and abuse across the United States. Just days ago, a fire chief and his wife were accused of starving their 13-year-old adopted son, who was found weighing only 55 pounds with his bones visibly protruding.
In this latest case, police have not stated a motive for Swanton’s actions or explained where she went during her absence. Her sudden disappearance left neighbors and law enforcement scrambling to ensure the safety of the child left behind.
As the investigation continues, child welfare officials are likely to assess the safety and custody arrangements for all of Swanton’s children. It is not yet clear whether additional charges or arrests will follow.
Swanton remains in custody awaiting transfer and arraignment. Authorities are urging anyone with further information related to the case to contact the LaGrange Police Department or the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.