A 34-year-old mother was arrested after police said she chained her 13-year-old daughter to a fence outside a home in Hialeah.
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Video recorded from across the street shows neighbors walking toward the girl after she was found chained to the fence.
One neighbor described the situation as appalling and said it should never be done to a child. Another neighbor said it was sad and painful and should never happen.
Hialeah Police arrested the teenager’s mother, identified as Yashira Maldonado.
Police said video shows Maldonado pulling up to the home of her daughter’s godmother before wrapping a metal chain around her daughter’s waist. Investigators said she then tied the other end of the chain to the home’s fence, restricting the girl from moving.
According to the arrest form, Maldonado left her daughter with a clear bookbag, some clothing and medication.
Police said the girl was outside with no cover from the sun and no food or water.
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Investigators said Maldonado admitted chaining her daughter to the fence and told police she knew it looked bad and was wrong.
Police said Maldonado claimed she chained her daughter for her safety. Investigators also said she admitted turning off her phone notifications after leaving.
Police accused Maldonado of intentionally ignoring her phone before going home, lying in bed and watching television.
A police spokesperson said Maldonado could face up to 10 years in prison for the decision she made.
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