On January 31, 2010, Troopers assigned to the Gaming Unit at Harrah’s Casino saw a young boy sitting unattended outside of the Canal Street entrance. The Troopers asked the child if any adults were with him and he told the Troopers that his mother left him outside while she entered Harrah’s to gamble. Troopers determined the child was 9 years old and escorted him to the Louisiana State Police office inside of Harrah’s. Troopers began searching for the mother, identified as Yvette A. Lindsey, black female, of New Orleans, inside of Harrah’s and found her gambling at a slot machine. Ms. Lindsey was taken into custody and charged with Child Desertion and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile. She was booked in the Orleans Parish Central Lock-Up.

Troopers determined that the child was left alone outside of the casino for approximately one half hour while nightfall was approaching and the temperature was 46 degrees. The child’s father was notified and he met the Troopers at Harrah’s and took custody of the child.

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Trooper Melissa Matey
Public Affairs Unit
State Police Troop B