Clarksburg, WV – Authorities say an 8-year-old boy was left unsupervised in a garage for an entire week by his father while he traveled to Florida, prompting a criminal investigation and arrest.
Child Left Without Basic Necessities
According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Juan Jose Benitez-Chacon, also known as Jose Juan Benitez Chacon, allegedly left his son without food, water, bathroom access, or adult supervision while out of state. A deputy responded to the home on Aug. 15 after receiving a tip that the child had been living alone in a small garage.
The child reportedly had limited assistance from neighbors during the daytime, but no help at night, leaving him vulnerable to emergencies.
Charges and Prior History
Benitez-Chacon was charged with gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, court records show. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor child neglect for leaving another child unsupervised for several hours, receiving one year of unsupervised probation.
Court documents describe the decision to leave the boy alone in the garage as “extremely unsafe”, particularly given the lack of resources and potential for emergency situations WVNews.
Current Status
Benitez-Chacon is held at the North Central Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond. He appeared in court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to the latest charge. His next court date has not been announced.
Authorities emphasize the serious risk posed to the child during the week-long neglect incident.
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