McDowell County woman arrested after 2-year-old left home alone

WELCH, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A McDowell County woman has been arrested after leaving her 2-year-old toddler home alone with a soaked diaper.

According to a criminal complaint, on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at approximately 5:31 PM, local authorities responded to a call about a two-year-old toddler left alone at a residence on Edmore Village Road in Welch.

The caller reported seeing the mother, 36-year-old Deahnna Preston, leave the residence while the toddler looked out of a window.

When the responding officer was on his way, he passed a female fitting the description of the mother near Sterling Drive-In, heading towards the Little General Store on Stewart Street.

Upon arriving at the residence, police observed the toddler chewing on a lighter while looking out the window.

The door to the residence was locked, and no one answered when he knocked.

The officer then radioed McDowell County Communications and requested Child Protective Services (CPS), also notifying his supervisor.

At 6:13 PM, the toddler’s mother returned to the residence in a car with her sister and another passenger.

The mother admitted that no one was inside with the child.

Inside the residence, the officer found the toddler’s diaper soaked through, causing his pants to become wet.

CPS arrived and spoke with the mother, who admitted it was not the first time she had left her child home alone, confessing to doing so on at least two other occasions.

The mother also admitted to walking to the Little General Store on Stewart Street, approximately two miles from her home, a trip that would take around 42 minutes each way.

Preston was arrested and charged with Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury. She is currently being held in Southwestern Regional Jail under a 20,000 dollar, cash-only bond.