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Sarasota Mom Charged With Child Neglect After Leaving Kids At Restaurant

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By CARLOS MONCADA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 28, 2008

Teri Graham

A 37-year-old Sarasota mother was charged with child neglect after authorities said she left her two children at a fast-food restaurant and was found at home passed out in bed.

Teri A. Graham was parked in a Checker's parking lot about 7 p.m., eating food she ordered from the restaurant at 8357 Lockwood Ridge Rd., when her 5-year-old son told her he wanted a quesadilla, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office news release.

Graham gave the boy $20 so he could go to a Taco Bell with his sister. After accidentally entering an Arby's, the boy made it to Taco Bell and bought his quesadilla, the news release said. He and his sister, whose age was unavailable, then walked back to the Checker's parking lot but could not find their mother.

After passers-by found the children and called authorities, Graham was found in her home, passed out in bed, the release said. Graham told deputies she thought her children were asleep in their rooms, the release said.

Graham was intoxicated, based on her speech and loss of balance when she walked around, the release said. She was arrested and charged with two counts of felony child neglect, records show.

Graham was being held in the Manatee County Jail today on $4,000 bail, records show.

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