Print Version
Email this story
Comment
Mother accused of leaving child in car while she got drunk
Eight-year-old girl taken into protective custody
A Klamath Falls woman was charged with child neglect and reckless endangerment after she left her 8-year-old daughter in the car while she got drunk, authorities said.
According to police, Kimberly Charlene Harris, 44, was at Mollie’s Restaurant and Lounge, 3818 Highway 97, drinking Sunday evening. At one point, she was denied further service because of intoxication. In the parking lot, a witness found the girl in the backseat of Harris' vehicle, covered with a blanket. The child was taken into protective custody and the Department of Human Services has arranged for her care. Harris was being held at Klamath County Jail on $10,000 bail.
According to police, Kimberly Charlene Harris, 44, was at Mollie’s Restaurant and Lounge, 3818 Highway 97, drinking Sunday evening. At one point, she was denied further service because of intoxication. In the parking lot, a witness found the girl in the backseat of Harris' vehicle, covered with a blanket. The child was taken into protective custody and the Department of Human Services has arranged for her care. Harris was being held at Klamath County Jail on $10,000 bail.
 |
||
| Fog to lift by noon |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
BFTGOGGI wrote on Dec 6, 2008 8:22 AM:
" While I DO NOT condone the actions of this woman, I believe that the real answer is to get the mother treated for her obvious problem with alcohol, while serving her punishment, then have her monitored for a time to make sure she is working a program of recovery, and return the child to the mother after some counceling for both. I am sure that when the mother sobered up she was mortified at her actions, and would rather get help for her addiction than ever act in that manner again! Children do not deserve to be punished for the poor choices that thier parents make in the grips of an addiction. The child would rather be with Mommy if at all possible.
Treatment with eventual return of the children is the best solution to show our children how to be responsible problem solvers. Permanent separation is sure to cause more problems for the child in the future. "
Treatment with eventual return of the children is the best solution to show our children how to be responsible problem solvers. Permanent separation is sure to cause more problems for the child in the future. "
Barb wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:40 PM:
" I am with the rest Ihave 3 children and I would never fathom doing this even if iIhad a disease such as alcoholism.. I am amzaed everyday what I hear parents doing to their children, it is a shame "
kl wrote on Dec 5, 2008 9:20 PM:
" Infertile Mrytle, I too agree that there are so many wonderful people out there that just want one child to love with their whole entire being and they have to suffer and watch these other degenerates abuse their children that they probably didn't even want in the first place unless like it was mentioned for welfare purposes so they can get their free meal ticket.
I think that her $10,000 bail was too low, and I know it was bail not a fine but she won't pay a fine she more than likely won't serve time, she will get a slap on the wrist and probably the most she will have to do is some community service and maybe house arrest. The real victim here is her daughter and it is saddening to see that they think this little girls life is worth so little. "
I think that her $10,000 bail was too low, and I know it was bail not a fine but she won't pay a fine she more than likely won't serve time, she will get a slap on the wrist and probably the most she will have to do is some community service and maybe house arrest. The real victim here is her daughter and it is saddening to see that they think this little girls life is worth so little. "
infertile Mrytle wrote on Dec 5, 2008 1:16 PM:
" How is it fair that there are sooo many women like myself who are struggling to get pregnant to bring a child into a marriage and home of stability and there are women like this one who dont give a darn about the child they were blessed with?! "
Too bad wrote on Dec 5, 2008 11:21 AM:
" It's just to bad for this little sweetheart. All kids deserve great lifes and the oppurtunity to be a good person. It's also to bad that the people writing these comments are arguing through a computer and something that doesnt' have to do with the topic at hand...you've all ready gotten off the beaten path. I just hope the best for that little girl, and that her mother is punished for her actions, and maybe one day understand what she did wrong. "
Sue wrote on Dec 4, 2008 8:51 AM:
" Willy, actually i agree with you. We do have to work with Obama in order to straighten the mess out. I hope he can be our hero. And, i teach my children to value the president, whomever he/she may be. In fact, at our household my oldest actually gave her arguments for Obama -- we like to teach freedom of choice in our family.
However, i don't believe Bush created the disaster either. It's from a long line of mismanagement.
And, probably the end of this system of things as we know it. "
However, i don't believe Bush created the disaster either. It's from a long line of mismanagement.
And, probably the end of this system of things as we know it. "
JR wrote on Dec 4, 2008 7:55 AM:
" I agree the system is broken. And I totally agree on her probably making a deal and getting out. HOW come in this town the druggies and the drunks get to squeal on someone and in return they dont have to pay for their crime! Didnt we vote on longer sentances for people like this? How much longer until its in effect? "
Willy wrote on Dec 3, 2008 1:06 PM:
" Sue while I agree with your points, attacking the president elect who has not even had a chance to do anything totally invalidates the words coming out of your computer.
It just makes you look like a very bitter person with an ax to grind, hopefully you don't spew your prejudgements around your own children. Now throw her in the pokey and put that child in a loving environment.
And yes I voted for McCain so don't think I drank the kool-aid it is what it is, lets try and make it better and hope this man can actually come through for our country.
I know it will be a hard pill to swallow but you and I might actually be wrong about him either way we owe him the chance to prove/disprove our opinions. I voted for Bush and boy did I get that one wrong. "
It just makes you look like a very bitter person with an ax to grind, hopefully you don't spew your prejudgements around your own children. Now throw her in the pokey and put that child in a loving environment.
And yes I voted for McCain so don't think I drank the kool-aid it is what it is, lets try and make it better and hope this man can actually come through for our country.
I know it will be a hard pill to swallow but you and I might actually be wrong about him either way we owe him the chance to prove/disprove our opinions. I voted for Bush and boy did I get that one wrong. "
OneChick wrote on Dec 3, 2008 11:25 AM:
" By the time it goes to trial the mother will have made a deal, probably time served and lawyers fee.
The little girl will be shuffled around in the fostercare system for the next 10 years until she is 18. Hopefully, she will overcome all this and become a better person than her selfish mother.
I fee for the child. Maybe someone with a heart and a brain can take her in and teach her what life is really about. NOT drinking and selfishness. "
The little girl will be shuffled around in the fostercare system for the next 10 years until she is 18. Hopefully, she will overcome all this and become a better person than her selfish mother.
I fee for the child. Maybe someone with a heart and a brain can take her in and teach her what life is really about. NOT drinking and selfishness. "
Sue wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:01 AM:
" and Note, you're right -- it is just the bail that has been set at $10 grand. which means she can get out for $1,000. But, once it goes to trial and she's proven guilty -- hopefully we'll see stiff penalties.
If, it goes to trial. "
If, it goes to trial. "
Sue wrote on Dec 3, 2008 10:00 AM:
" JR,
Why? Because our system of welfare doesn't work. Adult scum bags need their kids to bring them in more income and more benefits. So we end up with all these "unloved" children. Pathetic. Our country built the welfare system -- I guess we'll have to fix it as well. But the answer isn't to have more welfare in place. Jobs is the answer -- at least in my humble opinion.
In the meantime, we have senior citizens, who are living on catfood and no heat -- because heaven forbid, they might cause air pollution with their wood burning stoves.
OBAMA OBAMA where are you? "
Why? Because our system of welfare doesn't work. Adult scum bags need their kids to bring them in more income and more benefits. So we end up with all these "unloved" children. Pathetic. Our country built the welfare system -- I guess we'll have to fix it as well. But the answer isn't to have more welfare in place. Jobs is the answer -- at least in my humble opinion.
In the meantime, we have senior citizens, who are living on catfood and no heat -- because heaven forbid, they might cause air pollution with their wood burning stoves.
OBAMA OBAMA where are you? "
Note wrote on Dec 3, 2008 9:02 AM:
" The discussion seems to be assuming that the $10,000 is a fine; it isn't a fine, but the amount for bail. The case hasn't gone to court. It's likely that the bail amount is logical. It's likely that there will be some pretty dire consequences if she's found guilty. "
JR wrote on Dec 2, 2008 8:23 PM:
" HaHa Sue You Rock!
But seriously, why do dirtbags in this town treat their kids so badly? And why does it take so so long for the system to finally catch up with them??? "
But seriously, why do dirtbags in this town treat their kids so badly? And why does it take so so long for the system to finally catch up with them??? "
kevin perkins wrote on Dec 2, 2008 12:31 PM:
" this is serious. come-on $10.000. a-slap- on the hand. what a joke. i would be giving her 10 years in prison. and her custody of her child be gone forever. don't we value our children more then this?! "
kl wrote on Dec 2, 2008 10:49 AM:
" I guess my question is if you are wanting to drink why not go to the liquor store or hit the grocery store and by something and take it home? I realize that the liquor stores are not open on Sundays but grocery stores are and you can take your daughter in there and buy something and drink it at home where your child can go to bed in her bed at her house.
To me this is just beyond any logical reason. My kids are first and formost in my life nothing is above them especially drinking and partying. I just feel very sorry for the little girl that is having to go through all of this especially during the midst of the holidays. Obviously the mother was only thinking of herself and I too agree $10,000 is a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned. Hopefully this woman will grab a clue and this little girl will find some place where she will come first. "
To me this is just beyond any logical reason. My kids are first and formost in my life nothing is above them especially drinking and partying. I just feel very sorry for the little girl that is having to go through all of this especially during the midst of the holidays. Obviously the mother was only thinking of herself and I too agree $10,000 is a slap on the wrist as far as I am concerned. Hopefully this woman will grab a clue and this little girl will find some place where she will come first. "
OneChick wrote on Dec 2, 2008 9:50 AM:
" I agree with Tee only $10,000!?!
But I do not agree that the child is a burden. So many of our children are taught they are burdens when thery should be all we live for.
It is not the child's fault her mom is a dingbat. Hopefully she ( the child) will not continue the disregard her mother has for life. If only we could live in a world were all children are loved and cared for. "
But I do not agree that the child is a burden. So many of our children are taught they are burdens when thery should be all we live for.
It is not the child's fault her mom is a dingbat. Hopefully she ( the child) will not continue the disregard her mother has for life. If only we could live in a world were all children are loved and cared for. "
Tee wrote on Dec 2, 2008 6:59 AM:
" So a child's life is worth just $10,000 bail money?
I'd place a much higher value on my own children, but I guess if that's what the judge says bail should be.
Let's hope that this woman doesn't see the light of day again and that the child has no memory of it soon. Also, hopefully she has no other children to burden the system with. "
I'd place a much higher value on my own children, but I guess if that's what the judge says bail should be.
Let's hope that this woman doesn't see the light of day again and that the child has no memory of it soon. Also, hopefully she has no other children to burden the system with. "
RSS
Debbie wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:16 AM: