Father And Grandmother Charged With Neglect Charge

Child was found wandering on sidewalk

October 21, 2022, @ 10:42 AM Madison Police responded to the area of Third Street & East Street reference a lost child.  Upon officers arrival, they found an approximately two year old child, scantily dressed, walking alone on the sidewalk.  Officer's secured the child and transported the toddler to the Madison Police Department, where the Department of Child Services was summoned. DCS took possession of the child while officers continued efforts to locate the Child's caregiver.

The Madison Police Department followed up on several tips, received via social media, to no avail.  At approximately 12:30 PM Officer Cameron Blankenship noticed a child's blanket laying near a car on E. Third Street.  Officer Blankenship made contact with the occupants of the residence and confirmed the child was indeed missing from that location. 

Further investigation by Officer's Blankenship, and Jordan Perry led to the arrest of Joel A. Toth 27, Madison, Indiana, and Melissa A. Toth 49, Petersburg. IL.  Joel is the father of the child and Melissa is the grandmother.  Both Joel and Melissa face a preliminary alleged charge of; neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony.  

Joel and Melissa Toth have the presumption of innocence, on the above stated alleged charge, until otherwise proven guilty.   

The Madison Police Department appreciates the community's efforts regarding this matter, and the three citizens who located the child.