Police: Smithfield mother charged after children slept on porch
A Smithfield mother was charged with child abuse Monday after police say she abandoned her 7-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter overnight last week.
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The children became locked out of the home, at 503 S. Fifth St., and had to sleep on the porch during a severe thunderstorm Thursday, police said. A neighbor found the children on the porch in the morning, brought them into her home and called police.
Denise Dyane Henderson, 45, was in the Johnston County jail Monday under a $10,000 bond. In addition to two counts of child abuse, she faces charges of open container and driving while license revoked.
Police said the children are staying with family members.
The Department of Social Services is investigating.
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