Child Abuse Charges Filed After Children Reported Missing Were Found Hungry but Safe
COVE CITY, N.C. — A South Carolina woman has been charged with child abuse after deputies investigating a suspicious vehicle found her two young sons alone, hungry but physically safe.
Investigation and Arrest
Deputies from the Craven County Sheriff’s Office were called to check a suspicious vehicle in Cove City. Inside, they found two boys, ages four and seven, who had been reported missing the previous day from Carteret County.
Investigators said the children had gone without food for what they described as an “unreasonable length of time” during their disappearance, according to Public Radio East.
Charges and Legal Details
The children’s mother, identified as Victoria Wells of Anderson, South Carolina, now faces two counts of child abuse. Authorities confirmed that after their recovery, the boys were released into their father’s care. The case remains under review by both Craven and Carteret County authorities.
Local Context and Background
Incidents involving missing children who later show signs of neglect often spark community concern about how quickly agencies respond and coordinate across jurisdictions. This case, which stretched across multiple counties, highlights the importance of fast communication between law enforcement departments and vigilant public reporting.
What are your thoughts on how local agencies handle missing child reports and potential neglect cases? Share your opinion in the comments and follow Saluda Standard-Sentinel for more updates on public safety and crime in the Carolinas.
