Authorities in Florida have arrested a mother on child neglect charges after she allegedly left her 12-year-old daughter alone and distressed at a Universal Orlando resort bar while she proceeded to a nearby nightclub.
Disturbing Discovery at CityWalk Bar
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to the CW Shoreline Bar at Universal CityWalk around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday following reports from staff and patrons concerning a missing juvenile. Upon arrival, officers discovered the preteen girl visibly upset, crying, and seated alone on a bar stool within the popular three-block entertainment and shopping district adjacent to Universal Studios Orlando.
Altercation Precedes Abandonment
An affidavit cited by local media indicates the incident unfolded after an unidentified patron at the bar said something that angered the mother, identified as 33-year-old Amanda Laurel Thorpe from Lake Mary. Thorpe reportedly expressed her desire to go to the Red Coconut Club, a nightclub in the complex. Her daughter, referred to as [REDACTED] in documents, responded that she wished to return to their hotel room because she was tired.
This exchange allegedly provoked Thorpe, who became livid, displayed her middle finger, uttered an expletive, and departed the CW Shoreline Bar without her child.
Mother Located at Nightclub
Deputies later located Thorpe by herself on the dance floor of the Red Coconut Club, holding an alcoholic beverage. When questioned, she purportedly told officers she believed her daughter had been with her the entire time. However, law enforcement noted Thorpe exhibited signs of intoxication, including red, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness on her feet, and the smell of alcohol on her breath.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The child's grandfather was contacted and subsequently picked up the girl from the scene. The Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident as per standard protocol. Thorpe was arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail.
Online court records show Thorpe was granted a $2,500 bond following her arrest and has entered a plea of not guilty to the child neglect charge. News outlets have reached out to the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Universal for further comment on the matter, but statements have not yet been released.
This case highlights serious concerns regarding parental responsibility and child welfare in public entertainment venues, prompting discussions about safety protocols and legal accountability in such environments.
