Bikini-Clad Florida Mom Found Passed Out, Neglecting Child: Cops

A mom was found passed out drunk in her bikini while her young daughter played alone in a Florida playground, cops say.

Karen Gunderlach, 33, was snoozing on the second-floor breezeway of her apartment building in Maitland when police found her Wednesday evening, according to My News 13 . A neighbor had called 911 after seeing Gunderlach's 6-year-old daughter wandering alone in a nearby playground.

When officers woke her up, she allegedly smelled of booze and "slurred to the point where it was difficult to understand her," according to a report obtained by the Orlando Sentinel . When they asked her what date and time it was, she responded that it was 7 a.m. on Thursday.

The suspect told police that her daughter was with a babysitter. Nearby, cops found a 12-pack of Miller Lite, a beach towel and sandals. Gunderlach initially denied they were hers, but later said they might be.

She was arrested and charged with child neglect, then booked into the Orange County jail. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the girl.

On Friday, The Orlando Sentinel contacted Gunderlach, who handed the phone to someone who said he was representing her. The man said the child was "never not being supervised" and was "never in any danger at all."

Gunderlach didn't immediately respond to calls for contact by HuffPost Crime on Monday.

(h/t Sun Sentinel )

Like Us On Facebook |
Follow Us On Twitter |
Contact The Author