CCSO: Child found in 'neglected state' father arrested

SAN BENITO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man for allegedly endangering a child by leaving them in a neglected state.

At approximately 1:50 p.m. on Monday, deputies were dispatched to the 32000 block of Bent Tree Ave in reference to a civil matter involving a child custody dispute.

Deputies were told that the dispute began because the child was said to have been living in “questionable and concerning conditions” under the supervision of the child's father.

Javier Lopez,29, allowed the deputies access into the residence to check the welfare and living conditions of the child.

There was no running water, old trash left on the floor, insect infestation such as roaches and ants, dirty diapers left on the floor and many other signs of neglect to the residence's cleanliness and proper healthy living conditions, a release from the sheriff's department stated.

The child was also in a neglected state wearing a soiled diaper, presenting old and new insect bites, an untreated rash and showing signs of dehydration, according to the release.

Deputies arrested Lopez and he was charged with abandoning/endangering a child with criminal negligence. He was transported to Carrizales Rucker Detention Center pending arraignment.

The child was evaluated by Emergency Medical Services and released to a family member.