FLORIDA — A 33-year-old Palatka woman was arrested late Sunday after deputies found her and three young children asleep inside a vehicle parked near a church, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they first noticed the vehicle while responding to an unrelated call near Midway Baptist Church on Bardin Road. When a deputy returned to the area later, the vehicle was still there, and a woman and three small children were observed sleeping inside.
Additional deputies responded to the scene and made contact with the woman, identified as Amanda Burkes. Authorities said the children ranged in age from an infant to 4 years old.
According to investigators, Burkes told deputies there were no drugs in the vehicle. However, a search reportedly uncovered marijuana, drug paraphernalia and what authorities described as trafficking amounts of methamphetamine.
Burkes was arrested and charged with three counts of child neglect, trafficking in amphetamines, possession of a vehicle for drug activity, possession of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, possession of marijuana and possession of drug equipment.
She was transported to the Putnam County Jail, where she was being held without bond, officials said.
Authorities said a family member was contacted and took custody of the children.
