Child abuse investigation in Cambridge leads to criminal summons

CAMBRIDGE, MD. – Cambridge Police issued the criminal summons following a child abuse investigation last week.

Between March 1 and August 3, 2024, officers were called to the 700 block of Greenwood Avenue for reports of young children walking along the roadways wearing only diapers. Officers located the resident, identified as 43-year-old Shelia Ortiz, and her parent/guardian. Housing conditions were later revealed to be deplorable, and police officers reportedly found other young children inside with dirty diapers.

Police said Ortiz was found to be drunk on multiple occasions and unaware that the children had left the home. The three children were later released into the custody of Child Protective Services.

Ortiz was issued criminal summonses for 12 counts of neglect of a minor, 6 counts of endangering intoxication and 3 counts of second-degree child abuse.