Mobile woman charged with child abandonment

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - A Mobile  woman is out on bond after The Mobile Police Department says she abandoned her three children. The Department of Human Resources placed the kids, ages 14, 11 and one years old with family members.

Neighbors recall seeing 30-year-old, Melissa Wilson's kids outside, playing in the neighborhood.

" We would see them go down the street, they had friends down the street, they seemed like they were happy,” said a neighbor.

But at one point, Police said the kids were living home alone.

"The 14-year-old, after the mother had been gone for a couple of days, called the grandparents and requested that they come get them,” said The Mobile Police Department Spokesman, Cpl. Chris Levy.

Police said the grandparents called authorities. An investigation began and Wilson was charged with child abandonment.

Wilson denies abandoning her kids.

" I love them and that I would never abandon them and I’m sorry…I’m sorry they have to go through this,” said Wilson.

Wilson claims the kids were left alone, but not for long.

“When I did leave that morning my children were here for a few hours. My neighbors were keeping an eye on them. After I realized I was probably not coming home I called my mother to come and get my children,” said Wilson.

Police said, their investigation shows she was gone for more than a few hours.

"We do know she was gone for a couple of days,” said Levy.

Wilson won’t say were she went, but says she needed to get some help.

“I love my kids more than anything but I need to... mama needs to take care of mama. And I would never hurt my kids. I love my kids and they know that. My kids know that I miss them and love them,” said Wilson.

 The kid’s permanent home, will be decided by the Department of Human Resources. Wilson’s court date is set for July.