EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A 21-year-old Indiana mother is facing a felony neglect charge after police said her 4-year-old daughter, who is nonverbal and autistic, left a hotel room and was found alone in a nearby parking garage.
Isabella Nadine Bertinelli was arrested Monday, Aug. 24, following an investigation that began June 3, according to Evansville police and court records. She is charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury.
Police were initially called after the young girl was spotted running alone through a parking garage at a local Evansville hotel. Officers determined that the child had been staying in Bertinelli’s room and had gotten out without her mother apparently realizing she had left.
When officers returned the girl to the hotel room, they reportedly found Bertinelli asleep on a couch.
According to investigators, Bertinelli’s boyfriend later asked her what she thought could happen to the child. Police said she responded, “She will be dead.”
The investigation also focused on activity inside the hotel room while the child was present. Police alleged that Bertinelli had been soliciting customers for sex and allowing multiple people into the room. Investigators said it was unclear who was responsible for supervising the child during those encounters.
The Indiana Department of Child Services subsequently removed the girl from Bertinelli’s care. According to police, the child was placed with her father in July.
Investigators also examined Bertinelli’s cellphone. Police said a forensic review showed searches in late June related to obtaining methamphetamine and ecstasy.
A later drug screening raised another concern. According to investigators, Bertinelli provided water instead of a urine sample. When detectives questioned her about the sample, she allegedly acknowledged substituting the water because she had been smoking marijuana.
Police eventually obtained an arrest warrant for Bertinelli.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office booking information shows Bertinelli was booked Monday. She was later released after posting a $1,000 cash bond.
The case remains an allegation, and an arrest or criminal charge does not establish guilt. Bertinelli is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
