Police: Muncie mom unaware her children were wandering on sidewalk in only diapers

MUNCIE, Ind. — Social workers told police that a Muncie mother was found sitting on her couch, talking casually on her phone, while completely unaware that her two young children were out wandering on the sidewalk in only diapers on a chilly night.

Desiree Washburn, 37, was arrested on Friday on preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent as a Level 6 felony.

According to court documents, late Friday night, two social workers told police they were driving in the 2400 block of E. Memorial Drive when they spotted two young children walking on the sidewalk. The children were only in diapers, the social workers said, despite it being 57 degrees.

The social workers were reportedly familiar with the children and led them back to their home. The front door to the residence was allegedly ajar and the social workers told police that Washburn was sitting on the couch, nonchalantly talking on her cellphone and completely unaware that her children were missing.

Court documents reveal that when police came to the house to speak with Washburn a few hours later, she was slow to get out of bed and come to the door to speak to officers. She later allegedly admitted to drinking six shots of vodka due to having “a long day at work.”

Officers concluded Washburn had likely been intoxicated when the social workers brought her children home. When asked about the incident, Washburn claimed it was her neighbors who found the children— not social workers.

After being allowed inside the residence, police officers reported “deplorable conditions,” including what appeared to be fecal matter spread all over the walls by children’s hands.

Washburn claimed a large chunk of brown material on the wall was a “pie she was leaving to dry so it would be easier to clean,” a police report states.

The floors of the home were reportedly cluttered with food, trash and clothing. A back room had so much soiled clothing that police couldn’t even see the floor.

Court records show this isn’t the first time Washburn has been arrested in a neglect case. In September 2024, she was charged with four Level 6 felony counts of neglect of a dependent. Just last month, the charges were dismissed without prejudice.

Charges have not yet been filed in this latest incident involving Washburn. The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office will make final charging decisions.