Two kids and a toddler found huddled together after living alone for WEEKS – The Sun

TWO young kids and a toddler were allegedly found huddled in a corner after being left at home alone for weeks.

Cops arrested caregiver Maria Perez, 32, after deputies found the boys in an unfurnished bedroom in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Miami Herald reported.

The toddler had a fever and a cut on his arm from an exposed pipe, authorities said.

The kids hadn't seen Perez for more than a few minutes in at least two weeks, according to a police report.

The preteen boy told police she only came around to drop off food.

He said he last saw Perez when she brought him McDonald's meals to give to his siblings the day before.

"[The children] do not have access to food or water except for at school or when [Perez] brings it to them," the deputy wrote.

Authorities made several attempts to reach the absent caregiver, who said she couldn't go home because she was working.

Officials discovered the three young boys during a welfare check on November 8 at the home.

Perez's roommate told police he hadn't seen her in three weeks and that she "often states she is 'at work'" despite not having a job.

She "appeared disheveled" when she finally returned around midday and told police she planned to take the kids to school after work.

"I reminded her it was almost noon, and she shrugged," the deputy noted.

All three kids had missed 15 days so far this school year, according to a social worker who spoke with police.

Perez was arrested and shipped off to Palm Beach County Jail on three counts of child neglect.

Jail records show she posted her $9,000 bond the following day.

This wasn't her first run-in with the law. Perez was previously convicted of food stamp fraud in 2014 and received 18 months probation.

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