Mother of Wandering Miami Boy Faces Judge for Child Neglect

Annie Rivera charged after 6-year-old son found alone on city streets

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small, worn stuffed animal lying on a shadowy concrete surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash to create a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.A discarded toy left behind on a dark city street highlights the human cost of child neglect and the need for greater community support.Today in Miami

A 30-year-old Miami mother, Annie Rivera, appeared in bond court on Friday after her 6-year-old son was found wandering alone on city streets the previous night. Rivera was arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm, and the judge ordered her to have no unsupervised contact with her son, who is currently in the care of the Department of Children and Families.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of child welfare and the difficult situations some parents in Miami face, balancing work, finances, and childcare responsibilities. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance and the role of Good Samaritans in protecting vulnerable children.

The details

According to the police report, the child, who has learning disabilities, told authorities that his mother had "dropped me off and left me" at the intersection of N.W. 7th Ave. and 17th St. in the Allapattah neighborhood, not far from the Camillus House shelter. A Good Samaritan named Arnett Johnson saw the child and called the police. Rivera was later found at a nearby apartment where she was staying with a friend named Stephanie, who defended Rivera's parenting efforts.

  • On Wednesday around 11 p.m., the 6-year-old boy was found wandering alone on the streets of Miami.
  • On Thursday at 10:34 a.m., the child's school reported him missing, leading police to Rivera's apartment.
  • On Friday morning, Rivera appeared before a judge in bond court.

The players

Annie Rivera

A 30-year-old Miami resident who was arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm after her 6-year-old son was found wandering alone on city streets.

Arnett Johnson

A Good Samaritan who saw the child wandering and called the police, potentially preventing a more serious incident.

Stephanie

A friend of Annie Rivera's who was staying with her and defended Rivera's parenting efforts.

Judge Mindy Glazer

The Miami-Dade Circuit Court judge who presided over Rivera's bond hearing and ordered her to have no unsupervised contact with her son.

Department of Children and Families (DCF)

The state agency that has taken custody of Rivera's 6-year-old son while the case is pending.

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What they’re saying

“Somebody has to love that kid. He was just standing there looking, and I happened to walk by and do the right thing and call the police.”

— Arnett Johnson, Good Samaritan

“She tries her best to be the best mom, and she works and tries to do what she needs to do.”

— Stephanie, Friend of Annie Rivera

“Right now, you have got to get it together. There was inadequate supervision, and there is probable cause, and there are services for you, and you are likely to use them.”

— Judge Mindy Glazer, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge

What’s next

A shelter hearing will be held to determine the child's placement while the case is pending. The judge also ordered Rivera to have no unsupervised contact with her son and to comply with other conditions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges some parents in Miami face in balancing work, finances, and childcare responsibilities, and the vital role that community members and child welfare services play in protecting vulnerable children. It also highlights the need for greater support and resources for families in difficult situations.