Four Women Arrested In Miami For Child Abuse
Tamiyah Audain was a girl who had severe autism and never spoke a word. Sadly, she died just two months after she turned 12. Her death was thoroughly investigated, and police stated that abuse was the cause of her death. Four women were recently charged in connection with her death. One of the women arrested was Tamiyah’s caregiver. Two psychologists and an employee of Childnet were arrested also.
Atina Johnson is a police officer who thoroughly investigated the police. She stated that Tamiyah only weighed 56 pounds when she died. Johnson also stated that the girl suffered from tuberous sclerosis, which is a debilitating condition. Tamiyah had bed sores, which was an indication that she did not receive the proper care.
After her mother’s death, Tamiyah was placed in the care of Latoya Patterson, who was her cousin. Johnson stated that Tamiyah would not have died if she received the proper medical attention and care. The girl was not able to verbalize the pain she was feeling, which made the situation a lot worse.
According to Lauderhill police, Patterson neglected and isolated Tamiyah. Jabeth Moye was a Childnet employee who was overseeing the case. She was arrested because she did not report the Tamiyah’s poor condition. She also did not report that the girl had not gone to school or seen a doctor.
Helen Richardson and Juliana Gerena were the two psychologists involved in this case. They were arrested because they also failed to report the abuse. The women knew that Tamiyah was being neglected or abused based on her condition.
Patterson has been charged with murder. Richardson and Gerena are being charged with failure to report abuse. Moye has been charged with child neglect.
Nadine Girualt Levy is Patterson’s attorney. She has stated that her client was overwhelmed with caring for Tamiyah and asked for help. Levy also stated that Patterson never received the help that she asked for. Richardson and Gerena have been released from jail on bond.
Tamiyah’s grandfather is devastated by her death. He once had custody of Tamiyah, but she was removed from the home by child welfare workers. He states that it was a big mistake.
As illustrated from the case above, child abuse charges can have serious consequences. That is why if you are facing child abuse charges, then you should contact Fort Lauderdale child abuse attorney.
