A 26-year-old Salt Lake City woman was arrested on Aug. 5 after a 6-year-old girl was found alone and unsupervised in an apartment for three days, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Third District Court. The child was discovered in a residence containing various safety hazards, including accessible kitchen knives and an open alcoholic beverage.
Unsafe Living Conditions Found
According to a probable cause affidavit, Salt Lake City police officers responded to an apartment complex after building management entered a unit that appeared to be unoccupied. Upon entering the residence, officials found the 6-year-old child alone without adult supervision.
During the inspection of the home, officers reported observing several safety risks. These included kitchen knives within the child's reach, spoiled food distributed throughout the apartment, various medications, cough syrup, and an open alcoholic drink.
Child Custody and Investigation
The child initially told officials she had been alone during the day, but later informed social workers that she had not seen her mother for three days. The minor also reported attempting to adjust an internet connection with a knife, which resulted in a cut to her hand, though officers noted no visible injury during the inspection.
Authorities stated they attempted to contact the mother multiple times without success. The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and medical teams arrived at the scene to evaluate the child and take temporary custody due to the conditions found in the apartment.
Evidence from Text Messages
The mother, identified as Carla D. Gil Olmos, arrived at the apartment while social workers were attending to the child. Following an interview with police, Gil Olmos allegedly admitted she was aware of the hazards in the home and had been leaving her daughter alone while she worked.
Investigators also reviewed text messages exchanged between Gil Olmos and the child. According to police, the messages included the child expressing hunger and a lack of water, along with questions regarding when her mother would return home. Investigators noted they found no responses to these messages.
Criminal Charges and Arrest
Gil Olmos was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on the night of Aug. 5. She faces charges of child abandonment, child endangerment, and child abuse by unreasonable conduct.
Utah Child Protection Laws
The arrest follows a broader legal framework regarding child welfare in Utah. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) focuses on child safety and strengthening families. Utah law requires individuals to report suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency to law enforcement or DCFS immediately.
