Baby Found Alone in Atlantic City Hotel Room, Gun Seized

In different US states, adults who leave children unattended may be subject to a range of penalties. Leaving a child to participate in gambling activities results in a permanent ban from all casinos in some states. Besides a ban from casino gambling, adults who leave children alone to gamble may also be subject to fines or in some cases even imprisonment.

Housekeeper at Bally’s Atlantic City Finds Baby Unattended

In one recent case from Atlantic City, New Jersey, a young man who allegedly left his baby unattended is facing child endangerment charges, as well as gun-related charges. The case involves a 33-year-old North Carolina man identified with the initials J.C., who recently visited Bally’s Atlantic City.

The 33-year-old man visited the gaming and entertainment venue together with his wife late last month. On August 30, a housekeeper at Bally’s Atlantic City entered the couple’s room to bring towels and other toiletries and found their baby sleeping in a crib unattended.

Not unexpectedly, the resort security and law enforcement were contacted, as announced by a report from Breaking AC. Four police officers responded to the call and were soon able to locate the 33-year-old man and his wife.

However, once the young man was located, police uncovered a handgun in his possession. The pistol had hollow point ammunition and was found on the 33-year-old man. Subsequently, the couple was detained by law enforcement. The man and the woman faced charges for second degree child endangerment. In addition, the 33-year-old faced gun-related charges.

The Man Wasn’t Aware of NJ’s Gun Laws, May Skip Mandatory Sentencing

According to Nicholas Moschella Jr., the attorney representing the North Carolina man, the handgun found in his possession was legal. The attorney presented a receipt along with the serial number of the weapon, confirming its legality in the state of North Carolina.

In New Jersey, gun-related cases are subject to a minimum mandatory sentencing. However, according to Moschella Jr., his client will try to receive a Graves waiver. This can effectively help the young man bypass the minimum sentence that is usually imposed in gun-related cases.

Considering the child-endangerment charges, New Jersey’s child protection agency, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, was involved. What’s known so far is that the mother of the child, along with the child have already returned to North Carolina.

During a recent hearing of the case, Judge Joseph Levin acknowledged that the North Carolina resident was likely unaware of the different gun laws that apply in North Carolina and New Jersey. The man has since been released and he has a scheduled date in court for October 21.

According to law enforcement, the 33-year-old doesn’t have any previous criminal record. Considering his court date, he would have to travel to New Jersey and appear for his hearing.