On December 12, 2024, Bloomington resident Ashley Gibson, 29, was arrested after allegedly placing a 2-year-old boy inside a suitcase before boarding a city bus. The incident occurred near W. 3rd Street and S. Cory Lane, where Bloomington Police Department officers responded to reports of a child concealed in luggage.
Surveillance footage from the bus revealed Gibson boarding with a suitcase at approximately 1:43 p.m. and seating herself near the front. Upon inspection, officers discovered the toddler inside the suitcase. When questioned, Gibson claimed her family caseworker had approved this method of transport.
Gibson was subsequently charged with neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony under Indiana Code § 35-46-1-4, and criminal recklessness, a Class B misdemeanor as per Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2.
Neglect of a Dependent (Indiana Code § 35-46-1-4):
This statute criminalizes actions by a caregiver that endanger a dependent’s life or health, including abandonment or cruel confinement. A Level 6 felony carries potential penalties of six months to two and a half years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The offense may be elevated to a Level 5 felony if it results in bodily injury or involves cruel confinement, such as placing a child in an area not intended for human habitation.
Criminal Recklessness (Indiana Code § 35-42-2-2):
Defined as recklessly performing an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person, this offense is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000. The charge can be elevated to a Level 6 felony if committed with a deadly weapon.
Court records indicate that Gibson entered a not-guilty plea and was released on her own recognizance on January 15, 2025. She is scheduled for a pretrial conference in Monroe Circuit Court 9 on March 12, with a jury trial set for April 23 at 9 a.m.
This case underscores the serious legal repercussions of actions that jeopardize child safety, highlighting Indiana’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.
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Charges Below:
Booking Date: 12/12/24 City: Bloomington, Indiana Age/YOB: 29
Hair: Sandy Eyes: Green Weight: Height: Gender: Female
| Title | Type | Bond |
| Neglect of a Dependent | $ | |
| Criminal Recklessness | $ |