Long Beach
Police Department
Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
5/14/2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 2014
Subject:
RECENT ARREST AND CONVICTION OF PARENT CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR
Contact:
Media Relations
(562) 570-5273
(562) 570-5273
Detectives from the Long Beach Police Department Juvenile Investigations Section identified a crime pattern by a troubled teen, which launched an investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of the juvenile’s mother for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
On October 23, 2013, 51-year old Mary Smallwood of Long Beach was arrested by Long Beach Police for driving a stolen vehicle that was occupied by two juveniles, one of them her own 14 year-old son. Weeks later, Smallwood’s son was arrested on a separate count of driving a stolen vehicle. Detectives realized this teen’s safety was in danger, and something had to be done.
On November 11, 2013, detectives investigated Smallwood for failing to provide reasonable care, supervision, protection and control as a parent. The investigation revealed that Smallwood’s son had not been in school for over a year and had been involved in numerous theft related offenses.
The clear case of a parent taking no responsibility for the care and safety of her son was presented to the Long Beach City Prosecutor, who filed two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, one count for permitting her son to steal car, and one count for failing to register him for school. On April 17, 2014, a warrant was issued and Long Beach Police subsequently arrested Smallwood.
On May 2, 2014, after serving 17 days in County Jail, Smallwood pled guilty to both counts. On Count 1, Smallwood was sentenced to one-year County Jail, which she will be allowed to serve from a substance abuse/recovery facility. On Count 2, Smallwood was sentenced to three years probation. Smallwood’s son is currently in a safe placement facility pending further court proceedings.
The diligent work on this case by the Juvenile Investigation Section interrupted the destructive criminal path of this youngster and placed him in a safer environment, with hopes this will provide the help he needs to become more successful in life.
If you know of a juvenile who is need of assistance, or has a parent who is contributing to the delinquency of their child please call the Long Beach Police Department Juvenile Investigations Section at (562) 570-1425. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org .
On October 23, 2013, 51-year old Mary Smallwood of Long Beach was arrested by Long Beach Police for driving a stolen vehicle that was occupied by two juveniles, one of them her own 14 year-old son. Weeks later, Smallwood’s son was arrested on a separate count of driving a stolen vehicle. Detectives realized this teen’s safety was in danger, and something had to be done.
On November 11, 2013, detectives investigated Smallwood for failing to provide reasonable care, supervision, protection and control as a parent. The investigation revealed that Smallwood’s son had not been in school for over a year and had been involved in numerous theft related offenses.
The clear case of a parent taking no responsibility for the care and safety of her son was presented to the Long Beach City Prosecutor, who filed two counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, one count for permitting her son to steal car, and one count for failing to register him for school. On April 17, 2014, a warrant was issued and Long Beach Police subsequently arrested Smallwood.
On May 2, 2014, after serving 17 days in County Jail, Smallwood pled guilty to both counts. On Count 1, Smallwood was sentenced to one-year County Jail, which she will be allowed to serve from a substance abuse/recovery facility. On Count 2, Smallwood was sentenced to three years probation. Smallwood’s son is currently in a safe placement facility pending further court proceedings.
The diligent work on this case by the Juvenile Investigation Section interrupted the destructive criminal path of this youngster and placed him in a safer environment, with hopes this will provide the help he needs to become more successful in life.
If you know of a juvenile who is need of assistance, or has a parent who is contributing to the delinquency of their child please call the Long Beach Police Department Juvenile Investigations Section at (562) 570-1425. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org .