By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

Renee L. Robertson

COLUMBIA CITY — A Columbia City woman was recently arrested after a child was not taken to school for over two months.

Renee L. Robertson, 38, 2133 E. Bobwhite Lane, Columbia City, is charged with neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony.

On May 8, a Columbia City Police detective received a report from the Whitley County Department of Child Services about a child missing 65 days of school.

According to court documents, Robertson, the child’s guardian, did not return any phone calls to DCS. A local elementary school principal said he sent Robertson five letters about the child’s poor attendance. He also said Robertson does not answer or return phone calls. The school’s resource officer went to Robertson’s home on Jan. 18 and was unable to make contact with anyone.

Officers attempted contacting Robertson between May 8 and 10, but were unable to reach her. A relative of the child’s said he doesn’t talk to Robertson since she ignores calls and text messages.

On May 18, the principal contacted the detective and said Robertson had inquired about withdrawing the child from school and placing them in a homeschooling curriculum. When the principal tried to get Robertson to come in and withdraw the child, Robertson did not go into the school nor officially withdraw the child.

Upon further investigation, the detective learned the child is diabetic, but noted none of the child’s medical documents stated they cannot attend school.

As of May 22, Robertson did not return any of the detective’s calls or attempt to contact law enforcement in any fashion.

Robertson was booked in the Whitley County Jail on May 25.