2017 News Release

State Police Arrest Woman for Abandoning 10-Year-Old with Special Needs

Springfield Township, Burlington County - The New Jersey State Police have arrested Debra Wisler, 39, of Millville City, N.J. for allegedly abandoning her 10-year-old son who has special needs.

On Thursday, August 3, a passing motorist spotted the boy in a wooded area near the visitor’s center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.   The motorist contacted military personnel, who brought the boy to the visitor’s center.  He was given food, water and then evaluated by military first responders who determined that he had minor, non-life-threatening injuries. 

The boy told employees of the visitor’s center that his mother walked him into the woods with his luggage and left him there.  He stated that he fell asleep and woke up hungry.  The boy was able to provide his mother’s name and phone number to employees who then contacted Wisler. 

Responding State Police detectives assumed custody of the boy and brought him to Bordentown Station.  The Division of Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and they were able locate a temporary home for him.

On Friday, August 4, Debra Wisler spoke with troopers at Bordentown Station. Detectives determined that when Wisler discovered that her son was not eligible for a child program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix, she walked him to a nearby wooded area and left him there with only his luggage.

Debra Wisler was arrested at the station and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.  She was released pending a court date.

Charges are mere accusations and the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.

 

Debra Wisler

 

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