A New Jersey woman, hired to babysit a toddler, was discovered unconscious and allegedly intoxicated within the family’s residence. Meanwhile, the child she was supposed to be watching was found wandering alone outside. The Brigantine Police Department reported that they were alerted by a concerned citizen who noticed the toddler walking alone and crying in the neighborhood. The individual who reported the incident was a neighbor who recognized the child and took him inside to protect him from the freezing temperatures.
While on the phone with emergency dispatchers, the neighbor returned the toddler to his home. There, they discovered the babysitter, identified as 35-year-old Jena Davidson, unconscious and reeking of alcohol. Both parents of the child were at work during the incident. The father, upon seeing his son outside through his Ring camera app, quickly contacted his neighbor who then dialed 911, found the toddler, and brought him home. The neighbor then discovered Davidson and informed the dispatcher that the babysitter was unconscious and that an ambulance was needed.
According to the police statement, investigators concluded that Davidson had allegedly consumed a significant amount of the homeowner’s alcohol, leading to her unconscious and unresponsive state. Court records obtained by local NBC affiliate WCAU revealed that officers reported a strong smell of alcohol upon their arrival. The records also indicated that a coffee mug containing alcohol was found on the counter and an empty shot bottle was discovered in Davidson’s bag.
Davidson was transported to the hospital and provided with basic life support. The toddler was unharmed and cared for by neighbors until his parents could return home. Davidson had previously advertised her babysitting services on two different platforms, Mom Trusted and Nanny Lane. The latter is where the child’s parents found her. Nanny Lane, in a statement to the New York Post, confirmed their awareness of the case and stated that Davidson had signed up over a year ago, used the site for three days, and then never returned. Although her profile remains active, she has been blocked from using the site. The company also emphasized that they provide background checks for every paid family as part of their membership fee and strongly recommend their use.
While still receiving treatment in the hospital, Davidson was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.