CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A father has been arrested and charged with gross child neglect after allegedly leaving his 8-year-old son alone in a small garage for an entire week while he traveled to Florida with no known return date, according to law enforcement officials.
Arrest and Investigation
Juan Jose Benitez-Chacon, 34, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury, according to court records.
Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence on August 15, following a tip that a child had been left unsupervised for several days. When deputies arrived, they found the 8-year-old boy inside a small garage on the property—without access to food, water, medical care, or a bathroom.
Authorities reported that the child said his father had left the state and had not returned. The boy had reportedly been alone for about a full week as per reports from WBOY.
Community Intervention and Safety Concerns
While the child was left alone, neighbors occasionally provided daytime assistance, according to investigators. However, officials noted that no one was checking on him overnight, and the child remained isolated and without reliable adult supervision.
In the probable cause affidavit, law enforcement officials described the situation as “extremely unsafe” and emphasized the high risk to the child had any emergency occurred during the father’s absence.
Prior Neglect Case
This is not Benitez-Chacon’s first brush with the law regarding child safety. In 2023, he was charged with felony child neglect after allegedly leaving his then-6-year-old child unattended while he went out drinking for several hours. He later pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge and received one year of unsupervised probation.
Bond and Court Appearance
Benitez-Chacon is currently being held at the North Central Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond. He appeared in court on Monday and entered a not guilty plea to the latest charge. A court date for further proceedings has not yet been confirmed.
The Dangers of Abandonment and Unsupervised Minors
Leaving children unsupervised—especially without access to basic needs—is a form of gross negligence that places them at serious risk. Prolonged isolation can lead to trauma, physical harm, and a lack of medical intervention in emergencies. Cases like this underscore the importance of community vigilance and timely reporting.
Child Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Authorities continue to encourage neighbors, educators, and community members to report suspected child neglect or abuse. The earlier intervention occurs, the better the chances of protecting a child from long-term harm.
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