Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictment of Heather Adkins (DOB 4/12/89) for one count of Kidnapping (F1) and one count of Child Endangering (M1). If convicted on all charges, she faces a maximum possible sentence of 11 years.

On February 17, 2022, a citizen spotted a child, alone, on Sheed Road, in Colerain Township. When officers responded they found the non-verbal, 5-year-old victim, soaking wet from the rain.

Through their investigation, Colerain officers discovered the child was dropped off on Copper Creek Lane from a white Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Officers ultimately were able to identify the victim based on a tip called in by a citizen from Shelbyville, Indiana. They also determined that this child’s mother, Heather Adkins, was known to drive a white Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Adkins, and another adult, drove her three children to Tazewell, Tennessee, and dropped two of the three children off at a friend’s house. She then drove back towards Indiana with the victim in the vehicle. Prior to returning to Indiana, Adkins and the other adult pulled off the highway and onto Copper Creek Lane, where the victim was removed from the vehicle. Adkins and the other adult drove away, abandoning the victim.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, “I want to thank the Colerain Township Police Department for their thorough investigation on this case.

It’s heartbreaking to imagine what this non-verbal, 5-year-old boy went through. I’m certain he was confused and hurt. His mother, being the person with whom he totally depended upon, dumps him on a dangerous road – in the pouring rain – to fend for himself, 70 miles from his home.

Disgusting is the only word that comes to mind. And people question my belief that there are some out there who should never be parents.”