WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Police: Woman abandons baby with North pastor, steals his credit card
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Misty Lynn Millender (Source: North Police Department)Do you have information about a crime? If so, call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME SC or text "TIPSC plus your message" to CRIMES (274637). You will remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward of between $50 and $1,000.
By Logan Smith - email
NORTH, SC (WIS) - A Swansea woman is on the run after police say she abandoned her toddler Monday afternoon at a church in the town of North -- and stole the pastor's credit card, too.
"I've never had anything like this and I pray to the Lord in heaven I never have to go through this again," said Rev. Robbie Parnell of North Pentecostal Church.
North Police Chief Mark Fallaw said 29-year-old Misty Lynn Millender went to the church parsonage Monday afternoon and told Parnell she wanted to drop boy off under the protection of Daniel's Law.
Daniel's Law, named for an infant who survived being buried in a landfill soon after his birth, allows mothers to safely abandon newborns at designated "Safe Havens" without risk of prosecution.
However, the law only applies to infants up to 30 days old, according to the Department of Social Services.
"We asked 'do you just need some help,' and she said 'I was told I can leave my child here with no questions asked,' she was pretty much determined that she was going to leave the child with us," recalled Parnell.
Parnell said Millender told him the baby's name is Zachary before leaving.
"We couldn't get much out of her, she held out the child and my wife took the child out of her arms," said Parnell.
Chief Fallaw said Zachary had several bumps and bruises, and was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland. He was released late Monday night into DSS custody.
Early Tuesday morning, the Parnell family realized their credit card had been stolen.
"She used the card stolen from the actual people she dropped this child off with," said Fallaw.
Fallaw said Millender has a criminal background and possibly another child. Parnell is just glad little Zachary is safe.
"I'm praying for her," Parnell said about Millender. "My prayer for that little boy is that he finds a beautiful happy home full of love."
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