A Volusia County mom has been charged with child neglect after leaving her child alone in a car to drink beer at a bar.

  • Volusia mom arrested after leaving child to drink at a bar
  • Ortiz charged with child neglect
  • Boyfriend said Ortiz had a drinking problem

Ilka Soto Ortiz allegedly left her 11-year-old son in a car to drink beer at Shotz Bar on 167 S Charles R Bealls Blvd. Sunday night, according to a police report.

Volusia County Deputy Sarah Jackson responded to the bar for a well-being check and noticed the 11-year-old sitting in a car alone, who said he was waiting for his mom to come out.

According to the report, the deputy found Soto Ortiz inside, who said she was working on her second beer.  

A bartender said that when she asked Ortiz if she wanted bring her son inside, Soto Ortiz said that he would be fine, says police.

Soto Ortiz told the deputy that she had just gone out for dinner and stopped by the bar for a drink and to use the restroom. She said she had two drinks during dinner as well.

According to the deputy, Soto Ortiz had trouble recalling what she had for dinner. Her eyes were glossy and she allegedly smelled of alcohol.

She was arrested that night and was transported to Volusia County Branch Jail with a $2,500 bond.

Soto Ortiz's son was left in the care of her boyfriend, Yamil Rosado. He said Soto Ortiz had been having a drinking problem and had been trying to get her help.