LUCEDALE – A 27-year-old woman has been arrested after investigators said a child was found living in deplorable and unsafe conditions in George County.
The George County Sheriff’s Office began investigating after receiving a report from Child Protection Services concerning possible child neglect.
Deputies and investigators examined the child’s living conditions and determined the child had also been subjected to abuse, according to the sheriff’s office.
Amanda J. Gunter was arrested and charged with felony child abuse. She received a $35,000 commercial bond and remained in custody at the time of the department’s announcement.
The child was removed from the home and taken to a safe location.
The investigation remains active, and authorities said additional charges are possible.
“The safety and well-being of children in our community is one of our highest priorities,” Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said. “We urge the public to report any unsafe living conditions or suspected physical abuse involving a child.”
No additional details were released to protect the child’s identity and the integrity of the investigation.
Anyone with information or who wants to report suspected abuse or neglect is encouraged to contact the George County Sheriff’s Office.
Gunter is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
