Jason Warren : Jason Warren Abandons Granddaughter with Homeless Woman

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A man from California was taken into custody on Monday on suspicion of child endangerment after he reportedly left his granddaughter in the care of a homeless woman while he went to a bar, as reported by KXTV.

Authorities from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office were alerted around 7:45 p.m. when deputies responded to a bar parking lot following a distress call. The caller reported that a man was seeking assistance as his 7-year-old granddaughter had allegedly been abducted for human trafficking.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered the man, identified as 54-year-old Jason Warren, who was described as “highly intoxicated” by the sheriff’s office.

Warren informed deputies that he had given a homeless woman, later identified as Lauren Jope, $20 to take his granddaughter to a thrift store while he spent approximately four hours at a bar. Security footage showed Jope leaving the premises with the child. Fortunately, following announcements made by the sheriff’s helicopter, the child was safely returned to the parking lot within half an hour.

In her statement to deputies, Jope confirmed that Warren had entrusted her with the child for a brief shopping trip. She recalled being approached by Warren, who appeared inebriated, and requested her assistance in purchasing clothing for the child.

Concerned about Warren’s ability to care for the child, Jope decided to take the child to her camp to provide food and ensure her well-being. The child, as verified by authorities, corroborated Jope’s account and appeared unharmed. As a precautionary measure, the child underwent a medical evaluation and was cleared.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the child’s aunt held full custody and had entrusted Warren with the child’s care while she attended work. Following the incident, the child was safely returned to her aunt’s custody.

Warren was subsequently arrested on charges of felony child endangerment and additional offences. He is currently detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail on a bail of $75,000 and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Wednesday.

Reflecting on the incident, Jope expressed gratitude for being present to intervene and ensure the child’s safety.

“I’m thankful that I happened to be in the right place at the right time to protect her. She could have been left with someone who may not have had her best interests at heart,” remarked Jope.