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Broward Woman Who Left Child Home Alone Charged

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4)- A Broward mother is facing charges after she allegedly left her five-year-old home alone for the entire day.

Jennifer Peterson, 28, appeared before a judge Wednesday morning after she was arrested by the Hollywood Police Department for leaving her child at home for approximately seven hours.

But Peterson told the judge she had to leave the child home so she could go to work and avoid being fired.

"Right now, frankly ma'am, this court's not sure whether you're a capable parent," said Judge John Hurley."Your poor judgment is shocking!"

Neighbors called police when they heard the child crying. A police officer who reported to the home saw the child through the front window. She asked the child to open the door but the child was unable to do so since the door was locked, according to police.

Soon after the officer was able get inside the home through a window. According to police, there was no way for the child to leave the apartment in case of an emergency.

After speaking to the child they discovered that her mother was at work.

" She didn't ask us.  She knew we were home, but she didn't ask us.  She said she didn't want to bother me, because I'm always telling her you need to find another babysitter," said Peterson's neighbor Kristen Radell.  "I already babysat the kid 3 days that week and I was planning on babysitting that Sunday."

Peterson was charged with child neglect and released on her own recognizance.

During the court appearance, Peterson was emotional when she was told she was not allowed to have any contact with her child.

The child is in the state's custody.

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