Property, policy questions remain for city-placed children in child neglect case

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The owner of the rental property the City used to help place a family now at the center of a child neglect case had an up-to-date property registration and rental license, according to online records.

A question remains: when 2934 East Monument Street was last inspected.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Scott vowed a full investigation after officers responded to the home at 2934 East Monument Street and found six children, including a 1-year-old, alone and living in what was described as “unsafe and unsanitary conditions,” including no readily available drinking water.

A building inspector also responded to the scene and condemned the residence, saying it was “unsuitable for occupancy, including concerns involving the gas service.”

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According to court documents, the City Department of Housing and Community Development helped place the family at the residence about four and a half months prior, and returned once to help put the electric bill in the mother Teonna Brown’s name.

“That will be addressed fully and completely with the Department of Housing and Community Development,” said Scott. “We’ll also be looking at a tougher, a hard look at whether the landlord, private landlord who owned this property was aware of the condition”

FOX45 News reached out to the landlord and asked when the house was last inspected.

FOX45 News also asked the City the same question Friday, as well as the following:

• Did 2934 East Monument Street have any code violations prior to this investigation? If so, what were those violations and when were they issued?
• Once a family is placed in a dwelling, what is the protocol when it comes to follow-up visits?

Questions were also asked Friday about policies surrounding background checks and eligibility.

Following the discovery of the children, the mother was arrested and charged with six counts of child neglect.

Court records show that about a month before the City placed her in the City, a warrant was issued for Brown’s arrest for failing to appear for trial in an assault and attempted theft case in Baltimore County.

ALSO READ | Building inspector condemns Baltimore rental after 6 children found alone; mother arrested

On Thursday, the Mayor’s Office released a statement that reads in part,

“While we cannot discuss specific personnel actions or any active criminal investigations, under the leadership of Commissioner Tim Keane and at the Mayor’s direction, DHCD is undertaking a whole-of-agency analysis to strengthen internal protocols and, where necessary, make staffing changes.”

“While we can’t speak to this specific situation while it is under review, in general terms, DHCD had, in limited circumstances, worked with property managers to identify available housing for emergency placements. These homes are required to be registered and licensed in accordance with Baltimore City Code.”

“Beginning Wednesday, September 2, at the Mayor’s direction, DHCD and BCFD conducted site visits for 12 properties that had been utilized in this fashion. Additionally, the City is examining any responsibility held by the landlords or management companies for the condition of their properties.”

The investigation is ongoing.

The children are recovering, and Brown remains in custody.