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Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a troubling incident, 32-year-old Voynara Ashely Barcelo was taken into custody early this morning after allegedly leaving her 2-year-old child alone with access to alcohol. The toddler was hospitalized after consuming what was described as a significant amount of alcohol.
Authorities report that around 3 p.m. on March 1, Barcelo is believed to have left her child unsupervised for approximately an hour to visit the child’s father. During her absence, it is alleged that the young child managed to drink from Barcelo’s liquor cup.
When emergency services arrived, the toddler was reportedly unresponsive and stumbling. EMS personnel noted that the child’s breath had a strong alcohol odor, prompting immediate transport to the hospital for medical attention.
A witness at the scene claimed that Barcelo appeared to be heavily intoxicated upon returning to her home, further complicating the situation.
Post Miranda, Barcelo reportedly said she had gone to the child’s father’s house and didn’t know the toddler had ingested alcohol. She reportedly said she keeps alcohol at her home and the toddler can open the refrigerator. She said she didn’t know when the toddler drank the alcohol.
Barcelo has been charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. She has one traffic misdemeanor conviction, and she has been released from the jail.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.