Mother left toddler alone in car on Christmas to play coin slots, deputies say
CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia mother is facing charges after police say she left her young child alone in a car to gamble — again.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office told WSB-TV that Michaela Dawn Rayls, 32, was arrested on Christmas Day outside of a Food Mart on Highway 48.
Deputies said a store employee reported that Rayls left her toddler in a car in 30-degree weather for more than an hour while she played slot machines with her friend, according to WSB-TV. The employee said that Rayls never left or stopped playing to check on the child.
Rayls is accused of giving deputies a fake name when she was arrested.
Rayls has faced similar charges in the past. WSB-TV found Rayls was arrested on Feb. 23, 2022, for leaving an infant in a vehicle alone while she gambled at a gas station.
Rayls was charged with reckless conduct and giving a false name to an officer.
