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    • Lost Child Found; Father Faces Charges Save Email Print
    Two-year-old located three blocks from home
    Posted: 10:29 AM Jul 4, 2008
     Last Updated: 7:45 PM Jul 4, 2008
    88 comments
    A | A | A

    A heartland man is facing child neglect charges. His two-year-old son was in the care of Child Protective Services after the youngster, clad in a diaper and sandals, was found wandering in the area of 81st and Park Boulevard Friday morning.

    La Vista Police were notified about the child at 7:15 a.m. and then began knocking on doors in the neighborhood in search of the parents.

    Twenty-six-year-old Matthew Bartlett called police about two hours later when he woke up and realized that his son was missing.

    "I woke up and he was gone," Bartlett said. "Obviously I need to put more locks on the door because he can open the ones that we have."

    After we spoke with Bartlett, police took him in for questioning.

    It's not clear how long the child was outside before he was found.

    La Vista Police Sergeant Bryan Waugh says, "He seemed in a very good mood -- good spirits; good mood. He was actually having a little fun here with the officers who were playing with a football and that with him."

    The boy's father contacted police around 9:30 a.m. from his home approximately three blocks away from where the two-year-old was located.

    Matthew Bartlett says he had fallen asleep with his arm around his son.

    "Right when I woke up, I seen he was gone," he said. "I got up and I started running out the house to go look for him."

    Bartlett was booked for child abuse - neglect. The misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

    The child's mother was at work at the time of the incident. She left home at approximately 5 a.m.
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    Posted by: Rick on Aug 14, 2008 at 09:03 PM
    Thats alittle over -the -top,as far as punishment for this guy,COME ON!This just happens occasionally,he didnt NEGLECT him,he walked off.KLids do these things.he parent was evedently concerned! The Police and laws in general have gotten way too overprotectionary!
    Posted by: llr on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:30 PM
    This happened on FRIDAY which was a holiday. How many people do you THINK were up-and-at-'em before 7 am that day? So as far as it being a "mistake" to be asleep at 7 am in "their world", one can safely make the assumption that on a HOLIDAY more households than not will be sleeping in. We ourselves got up at 9 am...but we don;t have children, either.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:14 PM
    Just pointing it out, but to 'someone who knows the whole story:' Phil was addressing someone who asked him if he would file charges on a babysitte if they were sleeping on the job and their kid wandered away....which I have to say is not even a valid argument to begin with.
    Posted by: T on Jul 8, 2008 at 03:56 PM
    "someone that knows the whole story" good for you someone needed to put these people in thier place. I did not read anywhere in that article that this had happened before. Children are very sneaky and although I know that the police officers were doing thier job they should of looked at the whole situation first. Atleast he called the cops when he woke up if he was neglecting his child he would not of even called the cops to find his son duh!!!
    Posted by: Jen on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:38 AM
    Wow. I can not believe all of the hurtful comments. What happened to the "O" where people are known to support their neighbor. There are parents out there who do drugs WITH their kids, beat hurt and kill children. This sounds like a one time thing. Kids are sneaky. Unless you are all perfect parents you should probably just understand that this is a sad mistake where everything turned out to be ok. Move on
    Posted by: Lori on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:20 AM
    MANY years ago (!) when I was a toddler, I got up very early one Saturday morning and wandered out of OUR house in a south-central Nebraska city. I went all the way down the block in my baby doll pajamas, until I saw a teenage boy trying to get a squirrel off the top of a telephone pole. I sat in the yard (who knows how long) and watched him. I don't remember if my parents then woke up and discovered me missing, or if the people down the block (who knew me) called my folks and said "Hey, um, Lori's sitting in our front yard". But I do know my mother was FRANTIC. Lighten up people, these things happen. Thankfully back all those many years ago nobody called CPS at the drop of a HAT.
    Posted by: Mike on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:33 AM
    It's not like he set his kid outside and said "have a good day" Now THAT would be child neglect....
    Posted by: Delancey on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:21 AM
    So, the family whose 2 year old daughter was found wandering around in downtown Omaha near Park Drive isn't charged, but this family is??? This makes absolutely no sense!!
    Posted by: someone who knows the whole story on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:18 AM
    Phil you make NO Sense at all.The child wasn't left with someone that was awake & alert,he was left sleeping with his dad & woke up 1st.Is someone awake in your home 24/7 to watch your kids if not get a grip.Cory you shouldn't speak what you don't know.I know the family & in fact was given temporary custody of the little one & this has NEVER happened before.For all of you that think that you know everything if they are abuser than tell me why a judge ordered that the kids be turned back over to mom & dad IMMEDIATELY on Saturday when he was off!CPS has looked into the situation & see NOTHING wrong in that home at all.There was "NO PROBABLE CAUSE" to remove the children.I hope for all of you "perfect parents" that this never happens to you cause from someone that knows the whole story there was definately some mis-handlings in the situation & I'll be amazed if all charges aren't dropped.Remember if you don't know the whole story don't spout it out like it's fact,it's your opinion!!
    Posted by: G on Jul 8, 2008 at 01:39 AM
    I'm so happy to hear that he is home where he belongs. I just hope they will drop the charges agaist his dad.
    Posted by: G on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
    Cory, Who said that this has happened to this family before. From what I understand, it is the first time, and probably the last time that this will happen(It usually takes something like this to happen till most of us realize that yes, it can happen to us)There is an extent that you can child "proof" your home before it becomes a safty hazard. You need to have an easy and quick exit in case of a fire or emergency, one that is not going to trap someone in the home, but be able to keep a child from easily escaping.
    Posted by: Dena on Jul 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
    I know this family and I have lived with this family and they are good parents to their kids. I trust these people with my kids. There is nothing that isn't being told. This has never happened before to this family and there is no abuse going on there. They made a mistake and I bet it will never happen again. All little kids are smart and figure out things from watching adults do things. The dad and mom are very good parents and dont deserve any of this. Both kids are home with thim now and I support the parents 100% and if that makes me a bad parent then so be it. I have total faith that everything will be dropped and they can go on about their normal lives. For all of you that think they should be found guilt you are completely wrong. They are good parents and they make sure their kids have everything and anything they need. They have never once mistreated those kids or abused them or neglected them. THEY ARE VERY GOOD PARENTS!!!!!!!!
    Posted by: Cory on Jul 7, 2008 at 08:33 PM
    Everyone is missing the picture here. This is not the 1st time his child has beeen returned to him like this. Everyone is upset that he had charges pressed against him but what would you think if that child would have got hit by a car. For everyone on her that is up in arms about the police departments actions, you need to step back and look at the welfair for that little boy. You can bet that SRS will be checking up on that family for quite some time, and they should be!!!!
    Posted by: BJ on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:24 PM
    SARPY COUNTY! Are you guys getting any kind of message here?? Read these responses and BACK OFF! Leave these poor people ALONE!!!!!
    Posted by: Melissa on Jul 7, 2008 at 07:10 PM
    Isnt it funny that charges were filed here but----- 2 or 3 weeks ago someone's kid got "away" and nothing was filed? Get a grip- Kids do get out---do we like it nooooo but its not like he locked him out of the house!! Cmon--- and be more consistant- if your goin to lock one up lockem all up
    Posted by: Jeannie on Jul 7, 2008 at 05:40 PM
    I don't see the BIG problem here. A kid his age is going to wander. Most kids do at that age anyways. It's called being "Normal" I think Sarpy County went way overboard on this one. They should cut the guy some slack. And it infiriates me even more that I here Sarpy County wants to charge the mother as well when she was at work. Now that is just up and wrong. How can she be responsible for what goes on at home and do her job at work too?? She simply can't..So Sarpy County needs to cut her some slack as well. I hope the best for this family and that little boy.
    Posted by: to Phil on Jul 7, 2008 at 03:45 PM
    Daycare providers are WORKING. They get paid to watch your child and ensure their safety. Most jobs don't allow sleeping on the job so why should someone who signs up for watching lil' kids get to nap? If I was paying someone money to take care of my child for me and they were NAPPING and my child got out, darn right I'd be mad as hell. I don't pay you to sleep. I can remember when i was little my brother figured out how to unbuckle his car seat and open the door and he fell out of the car while at daycare. Of course my mother didn't press charges or anything since the daycare provider was doing the "norm" to keep him safe. There is a difference between an accident and neglect.
    Posted by: casie on Jul 7, 2008 at 02:24 PM
    The way i see it parents need to child proof thier home. A few door knob covers and a cheap alarm from the dollar tree could prevent things like this.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 7, 2008 at 01:50 PM
    I don't know how you people are characterizing this incident as a mistake. Its a mistake to sleep at 7am now? What the heck time are you supposed to get up in your world? How dare he assume that his child is safely in the house sleeping with him? are you serious - thats just ridiculous. I hope that they hurry up and drop the charges against this man.
    Posted by: Grace on Jul 7, 2008 at 12:56 PM
    My 2 yr old nephew did this once a couple of years ago. Thank Goodness for an honest man that directed his Granddad to the area where my nephew had gone. I do not think this man should face any charges and if anything all the people that are dis-ing him on this board should apolgize. It is impossible to know your childs every move. And last time I looked sleeping was not against the law. Matthew please don't beat yourself up about this. You were doing nothing wrong. Put extra locks on the doors and hug your son. Thank God he is not hurt or worse. The extra adage 'boys will be boys' will come up many more times in the future. Not that girls can't be just a big a handful but... Have a wonderful day and enjoy your boy.
    Posted by: mom of 2 on Jul 6, 2008 at 09:03 PM
    It amazes me how people are attacking each other on this board!The most important thing is that JR is FINE,which he is.I'm glad to know that so many people agree that the situation was not handled right & I hope that Sarpy county will reevaluate the procedures they use.Jo was right the real difference is the Counties handling the cases.I don't think that Douglas county did their job wrong they just knew those kids getting lost wasn't intentional.Sarpy needs to realize that this was an ACCIDENT.I know for a fact that this is the first time this has happened to them & it will be the last.Mom & Dad did what they needed to do to keep him from getting out again.The definition of abuse/neglect isn't changed county to county so how can one say it's neglect & another say it's an accident?If this is just to make an example out of a family just remember that real families are being hurt by the counties actions,and you're making a loving dad look like an abuser which he's NOT,just human!
    Posted by: Smurfy on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:36 PM
    Also police were notified at 7:15 am that is not the time that the child got out of the house. How many 2 yr olds do you know that get up earlier than that? When the lovely news media called mom for an interview they were also asked not to display the childs picture again, but she got the run around. Seeing as he was found I don't find that appropriate either, but it's all for a story no one has any business knowing. I really hope those of you pointing the finger in this case never have to deal with this situation, and if you do you get the same if not worse punishment than what happens here. Abuse would be intentionally doing something to harm your child, which didn't happen.
    Posted by: Smurfy on Jul 6, 2008 at 08:30 PM
    First of all I believe I owe an apology to Mr. Police officer whom I obviously got the story mixed up with. None the less even if you did lock your door trust me the child would figure it out. You of all people should know how that little boy is considering the police spent the day with him they know he's not your typical 2 yr old, he's smart and he's quick. As for those of you running your mouth about Mom, she was at work how the hell is it her fault? How many times have you forgotten to lock the door? That happens. You go to work before dawn, you get home and spend time with your children, pick up your house and go to bed. Tell me that wouldn't wear you out, and if you can you're lying. There were no drugs/alcohol involved in this and dad has sleep app. so when he does fall asleep he's out. Seven am is not late in the day like you might think, my child wakes up more around 9-10 normally as do the two in this case. In any event both are at home and that's what matters.
    Posted by: Leya on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:38 PM
    CPS is a joke. I was in the system as a little child and they did more harm than good. Good luck to the little boy's family.
    Posted by: Jo on Jul 6, 2008 at 04:36 PM
    Mom of 2...... Not a racist thing. Different police departments.
    Posted by: D on Jul 6, 2008 at 11:11 AM
    To Mark, pardon me...I did miss the part where he had his son taken from him by CPS. Please forgive my mistake. And I'm sorry, but when they are still asleep from the previous evening, I call that overnight. But please, feel free to jump all over me for that too. I suppose my little brother should have been taken away when he slipped out of the house where three adults were present, awake and looking for him as soon as they realized he was missing. Of course this was a good 30 years ago, when everyone didn't feel the need to involve the media and social workers in their daily lives, and when a neighbor of the person we were visiting thought she recognized him and called the police, he was brought to the home of that person. No charges were filed, the police were simply happy that it ended well. But that would be too much to ask in this day, when accidents don't happen and someone must be blamed for everything. And G...you did the right thing, it's CPS keeping the boy that's wrong.
    Posted by: BJ on Jul 6, 2008 at 10:42 AM
    TO MARK. READ my posting again. Nothing I said was "MADE UP". The "bad experiences" you refered to are things that actually happened from parents of teens I've talked to. Business owners kids, doctors kids, and blue collar worker kids.Their infractions were not severe. Yes they were legitimate infractions,but were not serious enough to be cited for. A little lieniency would have been in order rather that a citation. And for you to have the audasity to say I wouldnt have the mental or intestinal fortitude to do their job, your right on half of that. The mental fortitude should include a little common sense and look at each situation individually. Yes they are the first ones I'd call for a crime. Of course. I do not hate these officers. Where did you get that? They need to be a little more human. They need, for a better lack of a description, to have a 100% turn around with their bed side manner with the public they serve. Lighten up. You must be a sarpy county officer.
    Posted by: me on Jul 6, 2008 at 02:35 AM
    Many years ago this same thing happened to us.twice! First was in spring. My wife was at work, I just finished mowing the lawn I went inside to shower. My (then) 5 and 2 year olds were in front of the TV. I get out of the shower and find the 5 year old watching TV and the 2 year old long gone. I was in the shower maybe 10 minutes. I panic and go search only to find the 2 year old next door "mowing" with his plastic lawn mower. I about had a heart attack. Fast forward 4 months, its a Sunday morning the wife and I are "sleeping in" past 9AM. We wake up and slowly get ready for the day. As we move about we realize that the 2 year old is not in his bed. We panic and start searching everywhere. We find him on the corner of our street. He was just "trying to go play with a friend" We have a long talk with him and installed hooks on our doors that prevent escape. We are not bad parents. It can happen to anyone!!
    Posted by: G on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:53 PM
    BJ from Papillion, The media got involved because they could not find the parents and the boy couldn't tell what his name was. They figured that by getting his picture out, someone would recognize him. I recognized him, but didn't know his name or where he lived. He lives in my neighborhood. I feel bad for his family because now that CPS has been involved,and has custody of him, it may be months till they get him back home, due to all of the red tape that parents have to go through. CPS needs to focus their attention on parents that actually harm and neglect their children.
    Posted by: Phill on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:32 PM
    Please take time to read this and think before responding: If a parent leaves their child at a day care or with a baby-sitter and that responsible adult falls asleep or is just not watching the child every second and that child wanders out of the house or building, as the parent what would you do? Call the police and demand that person be arrested or at least ticketed for neglect? Maybe tell the cops to just forget it happend because "everyone makes mistakes" and "it is just a kid being a kid". NO you would not!! you would want that person's head on a plate and if the cops did not arrest you would file a formal complaint and contact the media to ensure that the officers involved were dragged across the coals. So what should the police have done if it was your child at a day care??
    Posted by: mark on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:24 PM
    D & BJ, you two are obviously the smartest people on the face of this planet. You make up "facts" about the police in Sarpy county. Remember 'D' this did not happen "over night" it happened at 7:19 am, (that is 7:19 in the morning 'D'). And CPS did step in, once again get your facts straight before reporting your misinformed version of the "truth". BJ you have had nothing but bad experiences with police but remember if you ever need them they will be there. tThey are not perfect, just like most people but they do not just ticket people for no reason. You obviously deserved the ticket(s) that you have gotten. You don't have the mental or intestinal fortitude to do the job they do. Remember they have to deal with people like you, who hate them and wish them harm. But if they are not there for you when someone breaks into your house you will be the first to make a complaint. No one likes cops unless they need one. Grow up and take responsibility for your actions or lack there of.
    Posted by: Denise Barche on Jul 5, 2008 at 08:46 PM
    I remember a little girl being lost a while back on 96th and Park Drive. NO CHARGES WERE FILED!!! Dad is NOT GUILTY!!!
    Posted by: D on Jul 5, 2008 at 06:11 PM
    I'm with you Mom in Bellevue and Someone who knows the whole story. Unfortunately this happens... fortunately most of us are lucky enough to find them before they get too far or get injured and without having to call the police. I KNEW this was going to eventually happen...it was only a matter of time before someone was charged while they were sleeping overnight, since apparently taking a nap while your child naps is an offense. People have been charged for that multiple times around here after the kid wakes up early from the nap and escapes (one pulled a chair over and unlocked a lock on the TOP of the door - I don't know HOW you could possibly prevent a toddler from doing THAT). Kids are resourceful JP...it doesn't sound like this parent lost his son due to lack of action. This is NOT neglect...this is a kid being a kid. TG the mom and dad still have him...I'm surprised CPS didn't step in and take him.
    Posted by: BJ on Jul 5, 2008 at 05:32 PM
    Maybe the reason Sarpy county authorities are being such law book robots is that the media got involved. They are covering their butts.They are just digging themselves deeper in their terrible reputation with local citizens, (drivers). Yes Im a sarpy citizen. Dont even spit out gum or these guys will throw you in jail. Lack of things to do probably. Dont be a teen- ager in a car in Sarpy county either, especially Papillion , Ralston or Bellvue. These guys and gals will pull you over for just looking at them. Give you a ticket for the littlest thing and dont realize how your insurance premiums soar. Used to be a warning for a minor infraction. Not these guys. They don't care. Not real public servants. Some will argue this, but a good cop sorts out the bad from the good.Every ones a crook in their eyes. Dont beleive me? Try driving in their area. You'll see. They've said no matter how good of a driver you are if they "want" to pull you over they'll find a way.
    Posted by: a mom of 2 on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:57 PM
    Is this a case of racism?A couple weeks ago the 3 year old girl that wandered was hispanic & returned immediately back over.A few months ago there was a little african american girl off of 96th & Q lost for a few hours who was turned immediately back over to her mom.The only difference in these cases is the ethnic background of the families & the time of day.The two earlier mentioned situations happened at hours during the day when everyone was awake & alert where as this situation happened at 7 am in the morning on a holiday when most of us were sleeping! Are the police now holding parents to different expectations because of their race? We are all humans & accidents happen. The only abuse & neglect in this case in my opinion is from the City of La Vista. They blew this way out of proportion & ripped 2 kids from parents that love them to place them with strangers because dad was sleeping in the morning!! I hope the dept. faces some serious reprecutions from their over reactions.
    Posted by: jeffery on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:29 PM
    Let's remember the important thing, the child is fine. Let's also remember that the parents left the door unlocked when the mother went to work. It took dad two hours to call police. We have to look at the whole picture here. Two of the officers involved knocked on doors for an hour and a half. The parents know the child is intelligent but leave the door unlocked anyway. Take responsibility DAD, go without your early morning nap and just be tired the rest of the day. I know it sucks but it is called "being a parent". To those of you who obviously know more about police work than the police, remember that they don't come to McDonalds and tell you how to cook frys. They trust that you know your job. Most of these guys have college degrees and know the criminal law better that most of you living-room-lawyers.
    Posted by: i was there on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:13 PM
    This is to Smurfy. As the officer who took the mother home, where do you get your information that this happened to me. As I recall my exact words to the mother of that child were, "my son is two as well and if I didn't lock my doors he would get out too". So get the whole story before you spout half-truths. So we are all clear, my son has never gotten out of my house without supervision.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 03:41 PM
    David, this happened in LA VISTA... not OMAHA! Somehow the police always have to be thrown into a story and get blamed. It's not the police who "bring" justice, that would be the court system!
    Posted by: Charlie on Jul 5, 2008 at 03:39 PM
    This makes me wonder that there is something we aren't being told. I have a 2 year old and she can open all the doors including the deadbolts. What's to say she doesn't get up in the middle of the night and try to leave? Will I be charged then or my wife? There is something more to the story than this with those types of charges. If there isn't can I then lock my child in her room or is that abuse too? I am never going to be able to sleep again.
    Posted by: David on Jul 5, 2008 at 03:06 PM
    I think there is another situation pushing the police to look strong on those guilty of child neglect. The omaha police do not have a strong history of protecting children and bringing to justice those who do, esp. if those people are well connected.
    Posted by: jp on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:40 PM
    Though I agree with both sides, I still think that parents do have to take some accountability for their actions, or lack of.
    Posted by: PEGGY on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:34 PM
    how could they charge these two people when about 2wks ago a 2yr old hispanic girl was missing from her parents for 5 hrs and they were happily reunited. i personally know these two and the moms life revolves around her kids. they are very good parents. If you dont have kids you shouldnt be commenting, because you dont know kids. i have a two year old and he is very intelligent,i wouldnt put anything past him. i hope this all works out for the best,because they dont deserve all of this.
    Posted by: Rick on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:20 PM
    I remember a few years ago, when those two little children wondered off in the cold of the night. Think it was south of downtown on or off 13th st. There were found almost frozen to death, and i dont believe there parents recieved a citation. What i am trying to say, is it can happen. Especially a two yr old. I dont blame the father in this case.
    Posted by: Leya on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:26 PM
    There is no such thing as a perfect parent. People make mistakes and children are a lot smarter than we give them credit.
    Posted by: SarpyOriginal on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:12 PM
    Gee, so quick to defend this guy. The police don't just cite people without any good reason. Did the child get up and walk out, yea, but why? How can it be that easy. He's 2 yrs old. How easy would it have been for the child to head toward Harrison street and get picked up by some pervert? It's that easy. Dad (and mom) should feel bad. We don't know how many times the police have been to their home, what the reasons were and what has happened it the past. Don't blame the cops when their could be some reasoning for why they did what they did.
    Posted by: Michele on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:56 AM
    I feel for this father. My child when he was 3 could get up on a chair and unchain any door in my home at the time. I could be unstairs putting laundry away or cleaning the bathroom and it would take him not even 3 mins to get out. You can't put on so many locks that if there were a fire you could not get out..but NOTHING IS KID PROOF......Let me be on that jury and he will get off...
    Posted by: Laura on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:49 AM
    I feel bad for the father. If I didnt have child lock on my doors my kid would of gotten out many of times. instead of going after this guy the city needs to deal with the real crimes in this city and leave the innocent alone
    Posted by: Elizabeth on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:10 AM
    Perhaps there is more to the story but on the surface I see no crime. I wish the media would spend time and feature stories on how parents can help protect their children as this is a very serious issue for parents -awake and asleep. My son had the same types of behavior as a toddler and I had to come up with a variety of strategies to prevent his wanderings. The doors were always locked but 'normal' means were not enough. Special top locks on sliding doors and a bolt at top of front door as the chain lock did not cut it- within a few minutes he figured out how to use a broom to knock the chain out). He would wake at 2 in the morning and want to play outside.
    Posted by: Jeff on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:08 AM
    Hey Tammy..maybe your child is just not "smart enough" to figure out a chain and a dead bolt. Unless you lock it with a key from the inside anything can happen. I did the same thing 35 years ago..and nothing was done to my parents and nothing should be done to this parent. Had he left the kid outside while he was with friends and he wandered off that would be a different story. Or he could be like the woman who locked her disabled choild in a room,I guess that would stop them from getting out.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 11:03 AM
    He really had the right to say that he needs to put more locks on his door cause his child can get out. Heres an idea. He is 2 years old. How bout staying awake and playing with him. No 2 year old should be awake in a house or anywhere for that matter all by himself. He is a little child. He wouldnt know what to do if there was some kind of emergency. Wake up people. (no pun intended) If you dont want to take care of your kids then dont have them. He is lucky that nothing happened to this poor child. I hope they do the right thing and put this child with a family who is going to take care of him. And watch everything he is doing.
    Posted by: b on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:28 AM
    It amazes me how many "perfect" parents are out there. WOW! We do not know the surrounding circumstances so who are we to judge?
    Posted by: Mel on Jul 5, 2008 at 10:22 AM
    ok....what is the whole story here??? If the circumstances are truely what they have been outline to be the police in La Vista owe this family big time. These kids will always look at the 4th of July as the day that the police took them from their home and had them stay with strangers because daddy slept in a couple of hours and mommy got into trouble for going to work, at the the crack of dawn, so that they could all have a better, self-sufficent life. Looks pretty criminal to me--these parents were doing the best they can and La Vista Police found it necessary to charge them with child neglect??? Why do the police seem to have it out for these folks and when will equal punishments for equal crimes be implimented???
    Posted by: Drew on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:57 AM
    Something tells me the only reason charges are being filed is because a father is involved. If it was a mother, I bet the story would be a positive story of a how a child was found unharmed.
    Posted by: seenthisbefore on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:38 AM
    So I would have 2 say that for once I agree with the police!! Iknow of a family in my town where the father did the same thing, and the police brought back the children and did nothing! Guess what in the same week the police had to bring back the same two litlle girls, YES that right 3 TIMES IN ONE WEEK!!! And never once was there a report fled or was anything said to this parent....when you are left in charge of a chld it is a big job and I think that if you can't do it then you need to let someone help you!! The father in this story may be a graat parent but I think it is better for the police department to be safe than sorry!!
    Posted by: E on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:32 AM
    Let him go and drop the charges, he did nothing wrong.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:31 AM
    I don't know the father or anything about the case (other than what most others have seen/read), but as a father of a 2 year old I can speak with some expertise. My child knows (from teaching), that he is NOT allowed to go outside without an adult (even though he is capable). I have locks on my door in order to keep this from happening. If I thought for even a second that my child would wonder outside without an adult (day or night), I would take further precautions to prevent it from happening. My heart goes out to the parents of this child, as I'm sure it wasn't out of neglect. And, I'm sure they have suffered from "what if..." following this incident. I think the PD in LaVista is allowing the system to investigate, and I'm sure if there wasn't any actual neglect by the parents...the child will be returned and charges dismissed. Thank goodness the child was found safe and uninjured.
    Posted by: Beth on Jul 5, 2008 at 09:05 AM
    This is ridiculous. His dad did not do anything intentionally wrong, and should not be charged. Yes, officers CAN charge him, but should they? No. That dad is obviously distraught and that poor little boy is probably terrified in foster care. God bless, I hope they come to their senses and drop the charges soon.
    Posted by: mike on Jul 5, 2008 at 07:27 AM
    john is your typical stone thrower,never gets tired of pointing out others short comings but never sees his own. John forgiving is not your strongest trait.Work on that and get a life.
    Posted by: tammie on Jul 5, 2008 at 04:15 AM
    C'mom Sarpy...we all know that your para- military attitude leaves em "speechless" but in this case, you have done just that. Anyone with any reasonable level of intelligence knows there are situations that occur that did not happen with maliscious intent. This is one of them, this could have happened to anyone (including one of your own in Blues) and this Dad IMMEDIATELY contaced law enforcement officers when he couldnt find his son. The dad was not a bar, he was sleeping with his son. I hope the judge throws out these absurd charges or people will start feeling like they need to take their children to the bathroom with them, to prevent the darlings from escaping. Sarpy..You MESSED up big time, this time.
    Posted by: G on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:29 AM
    It was 5 blocks that he wondered, and the police were certain that a child his age would wander no further than a block. Which is why they were only looking within about 2 blocks of where they found him. What people don't realize is that kids this young can go a long distance in a short amount of time. Yes, the dad, and MANY parents, needs some guidance on what needs to be done to a home to make sure it doesnt happen again, but charging him like this is over doing it. If there was an anonomous poll taken to see if any parent has ever had this happen to them , you would probably be shocked at how often it happens. There are some kids that can escape no matter what you do to prevent it. It only takes a few seconds to get out and be off and running, and the parent doesn't even have to be asleep to have this happen.
    Posted by: L. on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:09 AM
    Honestly, this could happen to any parent.... unless you board up your doors before you go to bed!
    Posted by: LS on Jul 5, 2008 at 01:08 AM
    OK Spare me! This guy was sleeping and it is very reasonable to assume the child got up on his own and out the door. An adventureous child would certainly do that. Unless thete are things not being told here it is unconstitutional to charge this father. Wake up and lets leave the responsible dad alone! Innocent until proven guilty it reads...remember!
    Posted by: Been there on Jul 5, 2008 at 12:27 AM
    As long as Dad wasn't passed out intoxicated (sure doesn't sound like the case here), then I see no reason to press charges. People gave me odd looks for having doorknob covers on every external door until my kid was four, but this is the exact reason. I sleep like a rock; it's not a choice, it's not a "luxury", it's just the way I'm made, and many people are made that way. On the flip side, when you have every outside door triple-locked, then you worry that your kid might not make it out if there's an emergency. Give this guy a break; it sounds like he's a great, caring, and concerned Dad, who just happens to have an adventurous and overly-clever toddler.
    Posted by: pb on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:59 PM
    My question is why is this man being charged, when a few weeks ago a child was found wondering by the interstate and parents of that child were not charged, and the child was not taken away.
    Posted by: AMOM on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:56 PM
    This man has already paid the price - fear that something horrible happened. Parents don't expect their child to get outside of their home, but they are so observant. I know little kids who know where the garage door opener buttons are located and as soon as they figure out they can stand on something and open the door, they are no longer safe. They watch you put the wood or metal cylinder in your sliding glass door and know how to remove that to open the door, and unless you have a keyed deadbolt on your doors, they can go out at any time. I believe it is a fear of all parents that their child could leave the home undetected in about two seconds and most parents make sure that their children are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Sleeping is another story - it could happen to anyone and this man did nothing intentional to hurt his son, like the perverts who hurt our children and need to be pushed out of society. Give him a break. He probably is a great Dad.
    Posted by: Tammy on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:39 PM
    Reading this makes my heart sink.. I have 2 boys and we always locked and chained our doors.. I guess I have a hard time understanding how a 2 year old got out of the house..I know we all need our sleep and its a tough job being a parent. I still think the father has some responsiblity here..
    Posted by: mTm on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:50 PM
    I wish we qwere all perfect like "J" at 03:41; or pretend to be. A child waking up while a parent naps with them isn't unusual. I'd bet the way Dad feels is enough.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:47 PM
    OK I'm usually all about arresting the bad guy, but I'm hesitant to say this guy did much wrong ... although they probably had an idea that the boy could open all the doors. Our two yr old is the same and we put a baby gate up at the door to his room at night so he won't end up in the street!
    Posted by: BJ on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:45 PM
    This father is beside himself. He feels terrible enough as it is. The child is safe. HE FELL ASLEEP!The child was ASLEEP with him too. The child woke up! The child wandered. He didnt leave him in the street. He did'nt didnt allow him to stay with child molesters. Thats abuse.Thats grounds for foster care. It just goes to show how Sarpy county officials are STRICTLY by the BOOK. They have no leniency, compasion,or feelings what so ever whenever it comes to the law. They need to lighten up a bit and take it one case at a time. These parents are going thru hell right now with thier children in foster car. OMG!!Let the first without sin...or mistakes...cast the first stone. Sarpy count officers please you are servants of the public.Look at each case individually. Can you sleep tonight after what your putting these parents through? Do you honestly in you hearts think foster care for this child is necessary? Are these parents such monsters to deserve this? Think long before you answer.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 4, 2008 at 10:19 PM
    are you kidding me this poor guy did what 95% of us parents have done and fallen back to sleep after our spouses left for work. My kids have gotten out while i was showering and we had alarms on our doors. I think LaVista police are over reacting with abuse charges!
    Posted by: parent on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:59 PM
    I feel bad for this father. I don't think he should be charged. America has gone overboard with lawsuits and charges. I miss the 80's when this kind of thing didn't even get news coverage. it's ridiculous.
    Posted by: The Original Cop on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:50 PM
    Kind of torn on this one. If I was this guy I'd ask for a jury trial and have my defense attorney stack it with parents. Any parent who says they have not dozed off and when they woke up had the moment of panic when junior isn't there anymore is lying. In this case junior was smart enough to escape. You have to pay attention, but I guarantee this has happened hundreds of times in this city except the kid didn't make it three blocks away without being noticed first.
    Posted by: someone who knows the whole story on Jul 4, 2008 at 09:07 PM
    I find it funny that people want to throw stones when they don't know the whole story. 1st of all Dad wasn't up when mom left after 6 & little boy went back to sleep with dad. He woke up while dad was sleeping & any parent that claims that they have never woke up to a kid that has already been awake & playing or watching tv is a liar. I am not excusing the situation but I know the whole story & today was not a normal morning for any of the people in the house & dad didn't have to get up so dad & boy were sleeping.Unfortunately the little boy woke up & decided to go to the park.For anybody that knows him they know that he is 100% boy & not afraid of anything.This isn't always a good trait but one that he certainly has.For those of you who actually care he is fine & suffers no trauma from the situation.We just think god that he was found before the situation turned really horrible.Also the dad does feel horrible for what happened but we are only human & can't always be perfect!!
    Posted by: A Mom on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:42 PM
    When my oldest was 2 he got up at 1 a.m., got out the front door and starting walking down the street. He thought it was time to play. My baby woke up and that is what woke me up, we were lucky we found him fast. It is not nelgect for a parent to sleep soundly. This is just something that happened. No charges should be filed, unless it is a crime to sleep.
    Posted by: Kitrina on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:27 PM
    I agree, I think the charges are excessive. My 3 yr old has got out of the house and down half the block before. I was simply in the kitchen for my back turned for sec. Now the dead bolt is always locked. This incident could have happened to anyone and I am sure he is more cautious this time around. I sure was. Little kids are smart. My dad just has to get smarter!!!!
    Posted by: Tim on Jul 4, 2008 at 08:23 PM
    I agree with Gradma,Dave and AT,since when did it become a crime to take a nap with your child?I think he has faced enough punishment with his boy at CPS.Atleast the child wasn't left at home by himself.
    Posted by: Angie on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:12 PM
    J sure knows the whole story, judge and jury!! Im sure J doesnt know EVERYTIME his/her kids get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night or early morning. Abuse? Come on, the little boy obviously knows to put his shoes on before going outside. This happened about 10 years ago to twins in the middle of winter and their parents werent charged. Some toddlers are a little adventurous and know how to open up a door. It is a good thing no harm was done to the boy, leave it at that.
    Posted by: Smurfy on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:10 PM
    Being a personal friend of the family I find some of the comments on this board unecessary. I suppose those of you that think the father here is a such a bad parent are perfect ones too right? This has happened to many many parents I know, including the police officer that escorted the mother home, but that's ok because he is a police officer right? Show me one perfect parent and I'll change my mind, but I guarentee it won't happen. Dad was not "sleeping in" the child was up before sunrise, which typically doesn't happen. These two are amazing parents, I trust my 2 yr old with them and if you knew them I guarentee your opinion would be the same. Who are you to judge? Put yourself in their shoes. No one wants to lose a child like that, nor do anything on purpose to cause that to happen. Baby is safe and that's what matters, not your opinion. Mom got charged for what reason, she was at work, but I suppose we can all be two places at once.
    Posted by: RM on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:02 PM
    Ok not long ago a little girl wandered off during a family gathering at her home no one noticed. Some lady found her wandering near the interstate no charges were filed whats the difference between the two?
    Posted by: TC on Jul 4, 2008 at 06:58 PM
    I agree with Grandma, Dave and AT - the father shouldn't face charges. He wasn't on drugs, he didn't drink and I'd bet he's a good Dad otherwise, who makes sure that his son is taken care of. Some things are just out of the hand of a parent or are we soon to be required to have surveillance cameras throughout our properties and Supernanny ready to jump in? Punish those people who REALLY don't care about their kids, who let them starve, leave them behind or beat them up.
    Posted by: KC on Jul 4, 2008 at 06:07 PM
    This is overboard if the man simply was sleeping and the child found his way out. I agree this could happen to anyone and as long as there is no previous problems, charging him with a crime is insane. You cannot expect people to board their homes up like a prison to keep the kids inside. This was an accident with a happy ending... thats the important thing. Police and CPS need to get a grip and realize that just like the bumper sticker.... _ _ _ _ Happens! I am sure the family will take measures to prevent this from happening again. As kids grow up, they figure things out and I am guessing they did not know the kid could get out or would go out on his own. Lesson learned...
    Posted by: Rachel on Jul 4, 2008 at 06:03 PM
    I hope there is more to this story for these charges!!
    Posted by: AT on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:49 PM
    The father should face no charges, unless it is illegal to fall asleep.
    Posted by: TJ on Jul 4, 2008 at 04:25 PM
    This is bullcrap! The child got out of the home while the dad was sleeping. How is that abuse/neglect? My son did that one morning, thankfully he was in the fenced backyard, but I didn't know he could get out before that happened. That day, I put a lock up at the top of the patio door. I don't believe that is abuse or neglect if the child got out. Its crap that the people who abuse their kids don't get caught, and the ones that are good parents and something like this happens, get punished. I think the fear he went through when he realized he was missing, is enough punishment. If anything, he should just get a warning. Its not like its happened before. Our judicial system is so screwed up!
    Posted by: J on Jul 4, 2008 at 03:41 PM
    Okay, here's how I picture what happened - Mom left for her job, everybody was up. Dad and Jr. laid back down for a nap until a "normal" get-up time. Normal for a little boy is when the sun comes up. Dad figures he gets to sleep in, since it's his day off. Too bad, Dad, that's all part of parenting - you get to get up with your son! Neglect charge is appropriate here. Especially since you didn't feel your son get up and hear him get up. Won't conjecture why you were sleeping so soundly; some guys just do. You don't have that luxury once you're a parent.
    Posted by: Dave on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:53 PM
    I gurantee he will get a more harsh penalty than a female would who did the same thing. This has nothing to do with neglect or bad parenting. If he was droping acid or drunk that would be different.
    Posted by: Grandma on Jul 4, 2008 at 02:32 PM
    I'm not trying to make up an excuse for this man, but many years ago one of my children could figure out a way to get out of the house and the yard no matter what steps were taken to secure them. I feel very fortunate that I wasn't arrested every time I had to call the C.B. police for assistance in finding him. Are we being overly reactive of kids who just get away from a parent? I know we have to protect the kids, but accidents happen and I feel we may go overboard in some cases. I look at the father's possible sentence of up to one year. If the laws had been in place when my son wondered off, I may have served 10-20 years. Unless there are prior child abuse/neglect incidents, the dad needs a break. This really can happen to any parent at any time.
    Posted by: john on Jul 4, 2008 at 01:43 PM
    A concerned father! I sure would be looking for my child if I knew he wasn't doing his normal routine. i hope he gets charged with neglect!
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