Photo: gofundme
Brittany Patterson, a Georgia mother, is facing a charge of reckless conduct after allowing her 10-year-old son, Soren, to walk a short distance—less than a mile—from their home in Mineral Bluff, Georgia. Patterson shared her story with NBC News, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Business Insider, where she expressed her shock over the incident and confirmed her plans to fight the charge, which could lead to a year in jail if convicted.
On October 30, while Patterson was at a doctor’s appointment with one of her other children, her son Soren decided to leave their home and head into town. Patterson was soon informed by the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office that deputies had found her son and brought him home safely. She initially believed the matter was resolved. However, later that day, deputies returned to her residence and arrested her in front of Soren.
Patterson recounted to Business Insider the distressing experience of being taken to jail, where she was required to change into an orange jumpsuit. According to Fannin County jail records, Patterson was later released on a $500 bond. The charge of reckless conduct stems from allegations that her son was left unattended, despite her assertion that he was safe and had traveled only a short, familiar route. “It’s not a super dangerous or even dangerous at all stretch of road,” she told NBC News, adding that she was neither worried for his safety nor fearful of any potential dangers.
Authorities have reportedly Huff Post, pressured Patterson to sign a “safety plan” which would require her to ensure that her children are always closely supervised. She, however, firmly declined, stating, “This is not right, I did nothing wrong. I’m going to fight for that.”
Her legal representative, David DeLugas, also commented on the broader implications of her case, raising questions about parental rights. “Are all parents going to have to put GPS on their child?” he asked NBC News. “The parents get to decide for their children unless it is unreasonably dangerous.”
The case has drawn public support for Patterson, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $40,000 to help cover her legal expenses.
