A Florida mother is facing multiple child neglect charges after authorities say her three children were left alone for nearly a week in an apartment without electricity, running water or enough food. Investigators allege that when she returned to the home, she collected her own clothes and left just $3 for the children.
Heather Wizbicki, 35, is charged with three counts of child neglect and an additional offense involving the confinement of an animal without sufficient food or water, according to an arrest affidavit from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
The children, ages 14, 13 and 9, were allegedly left alone at their apartment on September 21. Electricity had reportedly been disconnected several days earlier, leaving the children in a home without power or running water.
According to investigators, Wizbicki did not leave the children with food, water or money when she initially left. They also had no phone to contact relatives or seek help from someone outside the home.
Mother Allegedly Returned for Clothes and Left $3
Investigators say Wizbicki returned to the apartment on September 24, but her visit was brief. Rather than staying to care for the children, she allegedly collected clothes for herself and left $3 for them to purchase food.
The children remained without adequate care, and investigators reported that they went hungry on multiple days.
The situation came to light on September 28, when a neighbor discovered the children and contacted authorities.
Deputies who investigated the apartment described the living conditions as unlivable. Their findings included feces on the floor, spoiled food kept in bags, trash scattered throughout the rooms and a strong, unpleasant odor.
The conditions were reportedly so poor that the smell made it difficult for the children to breathe, even with the windows open.
Investigators also noted concerns about the children’s access to basic necessities, including food, personal hygiene supplies and clean clothing.
Police Found Mother in Custody After Traffic Stop
When deputies looked into Wizbicki’s whereabouts, they learned that she was already being held at the Pasco County Jail following a separate arrest.
Wizbicki had been stopped by law enforcement on September 24 near the intersection of 10th Street and Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills. The traffic stop was reportedly initiated because of tinted windows.
During the stop, a police dog allegedly alerted officers to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. Authorities reported recovering fentanyl.
Her arrest meant she was in custody while the children remained at the apartment, according to the information detailed in the investigation.
In addition to the three child neglect charges, Wizbicki faces an allegation related to leaving a cat confined without sufficient food or water.
Child Welfare Officials Notified
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified about the situation and is conducting its own investigation.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed where the three children are currently staying. Wizbicki’s bond conditions prohibit her from contacting them, according to the arrest information.
As of the latest available reports, Wizbicki remained in the Pasco County Jail without bond. Information about her next court appearance had not been made public.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process, and the charges against Wizbicki have not been proven in court.
