Local
Atlanta police locate mother in Wilkes County after child found dead
Atlanta police say 32-year-old Jasmaine Smoak was arrested in Wilkes County after officers found her child dead during a welfare check. She is expected to face charges of second-degree cruelty to children and concealing a death.
A 32-year-old woman was arrested in Wilkes County after Atlanta police found her child dead inside a home during a welfare check Monday evening, authorities said.
Officers were sent to Cardinal Drive at about 7:20 p.m. Oct. 26. Lt. Christopher Butler said they found the child dead after entering the home. Police have not disclosed the child’s age or the circumstances leading to the death.
Investigators located the mother, Jasmaine Smoak, more than 100 miles east of Atlanta, in Washington, Georgia, using license plate reader data, Atlanta police said. The Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office took her into custody.
Police said Smoak will face charges of cruelty to children in the second degree and concealing the death of another. The investigation remains ongoing.
Wilkes County Sheriff Darrell Powers praised deputies and Atlanta homicide detectives for locating Smoak and taking her into custody. An arrest is an allegation, and the charges have not been adjudicated in court.