Once-Missing Boy’s Mother Is Arrested

The mother of a 2-year-old boy found wandering on the streets of Long Beach on Tuesday was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of willful child cruelty and child abandonment, Long Beach police reported.

Rodelia Valiente Banker, a 28-year-old transient, walked into the station about 6:30 p.m., said police spokesman Todd Muilenburg. She reportedly told detectives that she had dropped the boy off with a babysitter and left the area for a few days, Muilenburg said.

Banker came in to talk to detectives at the encouragement of a friend and after reading newspaper accounts about the search for the parents of the boy, Muilenburg said.

The toddler was found by children near East 14th Street and Molino Avenue on Tuesday evening.

According to police, his mother has a criminal record and several aliases, and his sister has been in protective custody ever since their parent was evicted from her last known address about three months ago.

The toddler also remains in protective custody, Muilenburg said.

“We would love to have made this a happy reunion, but our first concern has to be the welfare of the child,” Muilenburg said.