Natalie Belizer, a 29-year-old woman from South Florida, was released from the Turner Gillford Correctional Center on Tuesday evening after being arrested for allegedly leaving her four children, including a 2-month-old infant, home alone during a three-day cruise. Belizer was released under a $2,500 bond per charge, with restrictions prohibiting contact with the children and possession of firearms. The case emerged after the children’s father called 911, prompting police to find the four siblings hiding in a bathroom without supervision, according to an arrest report. She exited the facility at 9:00 PM, covering her face as she noticed cameras outside the building.
The incident occurred after Belizer boarded a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas, reportedly leaving the children in the care of their grandmother. However, the father claimed he was told the children would be monitored, and he grew concerned when no one contacted him. Police entered the family’s apartment and discovered the children, including the infant, unattended. Belizer was arrested upon returning from the cruise and faced four felony charges of child neglect. The father later told investigators he saw a WhatsApp post from Thursday showing a Carnival cruise ticket purchase, which he said led him to believe the children were being watched.
Court Expresses Shock at Charges
Judge Mindy Glazer, who presided over Belizer’s bail hearing, expressed disbelief at the circumstances. “This is something you can’t make up. The report states she went on a cruise and left her children home alone,” Glazer said, as cited by CBS News. The judge emphasized the vulnerability of the 2-month-old, questioning, “Who leaves a baby like that?” She noted the children had been alone for three days and acknowledged the potential risks, stating, “We can only be grateful nothing worse happened.” Glazer also noted the infant was born in July, asking, “Who leaves a baby alone like that?”
Conditions of Bail Set
Belizer’s public defender argued that the charges had not been proven, stating, “This is just an accusation. She denies the charges.” Glazer responded, “They arrested her when she got off the cruise ship.” The judge imposed strict conditions, including a $2,500 bond for each of the four charges, a prohibition on contact with the children, and a ban on weapons. Belizer, who wiped away tears during the hearing, was released in the evening. The public defender emphasized that the charges had not been proven, stating, “She denies the charges.” Glazer replied, “They arrested her when she got off the cruise ship.”
Investigation Initiated
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