RICHLAND COUNTY (WACH) -- Deputies say the mother of the abandoned newborn who was found on Long Creek Drive Monday was arrested Tuesday.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department says 21-year-old Orenthia McCuller is charged with unlawful conduct towards a child after leaving the child alone wrapped in blankets outside of the Enclave Apartments in Columbia.
Officials say McCuller, a Midlands college student, admitted to having the child then leaving him outside the laundry room at the apartment complex.
The baby boy was found around 6 a.m. Monday after a call from a concerned citizen. He was transported to the hospital and is said to be in good condition.
Sheriff Leon Lott reminds citizens who may be facing difficulties in parenthood that there is an infant safe haven law that gives mothers an opportunity to turn over their babies under one month old to a protected environment. These places include law enforcement agencies, churches, fire stations and hospitals.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH