Inset: Pamela Monslave (Broward County Jail). Background: An image from body-worn camera footage purports to show Monslave talking to the police (Hallandale Beach Police Department/WSVN).
Florida Woman Arrested After Briefly Kidnapping Toddler From Yard
A bizarre incident in Florida has left authorities baffled and a community on edge after a woman was arrested for briefly kidnapping a toddler straight from his own backyard.
Pamela Monslave, a 39-year-old woman, found herself facing charges of kidnapping following a strange incident that occurred on Nov. 25 in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
According to police, Monslave picked up a three-year-old boy from his yard, but she set him back down shortly after being confronted by neighbors.
Confusing Neighbors
Details remain sparse, but witness accounts paint a picture of increasing confusion.
“He was outside,” Monslave said inintaxicam footage released this week. “He was naked. He was like — with a shirt. Everything was naked and I asked for the people around to call police and nobody would call police. And I told the little boy ‘Where’s your mom?’ and he said no.”
loop, I got the little boy and everybody was like, ‘Don’t get the little boy’ and I’m like, ‘I gave it back to the mom.’)
Police have sought to clarify exactly where Monslave encountered the boy and what her intentions were.
“Near the — outside the — the — outside the — when the mom came out I gave it back.”
No Relationship, a Deeply Concerned Community
Hours after throwing a prosecutor exclaimed, “I can’t imagine what act can cause more extreme fear, distress in a parent than having somebody, not knowing who, go into their property, their fenced-in property and removing their 3-year-old child.”
Neighbourrony, who spoke with TV station WSVN, said: “Don’t after residents alerted to the mom’s side
Notte to prior to the incident. Investigators say Monslave did not appear to know the child or his family.
“Make sure you pay attention to your kids, your surroundings, make sure you know your neighbors and your neighbors know you,” Hallandale Beach Police Capt. Megan Jones said in a statement. “This is an example of ‘know thy neighbor’ and that were able to help prevent this child from being permanently taken.”
Monslave is being held at Broward County Jail without bond.
What are the potential legal ramifications if Pamela Monslave intended to detain the child against his parents’ will, even for a short period?
## Interview with Legal Expert on Florida Kidnapping Case
**Host:** Today we are joined by legal expert Dr. Emily Carter to discuss the recent case of Pamela Monslave, a Florida woman accused of kidnapping a toddler. Dr. Carter, thanks for joining us. Can you shed some light on the legal definition of kidnapping in Florida?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. Based on Florida Statutes 787.01 [[1](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/787.01)], kidnapping in Florida involves forcibly, secretly, or threateningly confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against their will and without lawful authority. The intent to confine the person is critical, and it must be done with the goal of some further illegal act.
**Host:** In this case, Monslave allegedly took a toddler from his own backyard. Does that qualify as against the child’s will?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. A toddler is not capable of consenting to being taken from their home.
The law recognizes that young children are particularly vulnerable to this type of crime, and the lack of consent is presumed in such situations.
**Host:** Since the child was returned shortly after, could that weaken the charges against Monslave?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s possible, but unlikely to completely negate the charges. The duration of the confinement is one factor considered, but the intent behind the act remains crucial. If the prosecution can prove Monslave intended to detain the child against his parents’ will, even for a short time, it’s likely she could still face serious charges.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for providing your expertise on this complex issue.
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