Child abuse investigation in Cambridge leads to criminal summons

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Cambridge Police served a criminal summons last week following a child abuse investigation.

Between March 1 and August 3, 2024, officers were called to the area of the 700 block of Greenwood Avenue for reports of small children walking in the roadways only wearing diapers. Officers located the resident and parent/guardian, identified as 43-year-old Shelia Ortiz. It was then discovered that the housing conditions were deplorable, and officers also reportedly found other small children inside with dirty diapers.

On several occasions, police say Ortiz was found to be intoxicated and unaware that the children had left the home. The three children have since been placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Ortiz was served with the criminal summons for 12 counts of neglect of a minor, 6 counts of intoxicated endanger, and 3 counts of second degree child abuse custody.