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Most Memorable 2008: Newborn Baby Kidnapped
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 10:49:28 AM
Nick VinZant, News 13 Reporter
It was a story that was a nightmare for parents -- a woman disguised as a hospital employee was able to get into Central Florida Regional Hospital's second-floor maternity ward in March and walk out with a 1-day-old baby.
Photos from the hospital's security system showed the suspect exiting the ward, with a duffel bag over her shoulder.
The child was rescued a short time later by a police officer who stopped a Chevy Blazer on Interstate 4 in Lake Mary.
In the back seat was the baby, who was unhurt and appeared to be napping.
In the driver's seat was Jennifer Latham, 39, of Sanford. She told the officer the baby was hers.
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"The child was still clothed in hospital gowns, hospital attire," said Sanford police Chief Brian Tooley. "The child was brought back immediately to Central Florida Regional Hospital. The child was brought back to the emergency room, and has since been reunited with the parents."
"I want to emphasize the hospital security did an excellent job trying to apprehend this woman," Tooley said. "She managed to get out the door. The information they provided was critical to us successfully finding this child."
Many things have changed at the hospital since the kidnapping. All visitors to the maternity ward must now wear a photo badge provided by the hospital, and sign a log when entering and leaving.
A 24-hour guard has been posted at the door of the maternity ward. The guard also inspects any baby-sized bags that leave the ward.
A second guard walks through the maternity ward every hour, checking doors and making sure the area is secure.
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Meanwhile, Latham is awaiting trial on kidnapping charges.
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