Missing baby found safe; godmother arrested

The 8-month-old was reported missing Wednesday. He was found Thursday.

By BRADY DENNIS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 20, 2002

TAMPA -- An 8-month-boy was found safe Thursday night at a Tampa motel, a day after his mother reported him missing.

Ashlie Chinika Taylor, 23, told Hillsborough sheriff's deputies that she and her stepsister were shopping Tuesday at a Family Dollar store near 22nd Street and Bearss Avenue when an acquaintance left the store with the baby, Jamaro Joseph Smith.

Taylor said they searched for Jamaro and, more than a day later, called deputies after the acquaintance, known only as "Rika," didn't bring the baby home.

"I was scared," Taylor said Thursday, minutes after learning Tampa police officers had found the baby. "My heart was beating fast, fast, fast."

Officers found Jamaro about 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palms Motel, 5809 N Nebraska Ave. He was with 19-year-old Deanna Jordan, also known as Rika. She faces a felony charge of interfering with child custody.

Taylor, arrested last week on a charge of contempt of court, said that while she didn't know Jordan's name, they had been friends and had gone to the Family Dollar store together on a bus.

"She was his godmother; she loved him," said Taylor, who also has an 18-month-old daughter. "I trusted her as a friend. I figured she wouldn't take him."

She said the experience taught her never to let her children out of her sight again.

"I know now I can only trust myself with my children," Taylor said. "I can't take my eyes off them."

Officials said the baby remained in custody of state Department of Children and Families workers Thursday evening.

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