Pensacola, Florida – Devon Mae Witryk, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to felony child neglect occurring on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our Air Force partners, the child in this case was rescued from absolutely deplorable conditions, and my office has ensured this despicable defendant is held accountable for her criminal neglect.”
Court documents reveal that in June 2023, a welfare investigation was initiated for a child residing on Eglin Air Force Base. The defendant was the child’s mother and a military spouse. Investigation revealed the home was in deplorable condition and the young child needed medical attention. Due to the child not receiving appropriate care and supervision, the defendant’s home was inspected and investigators rescued the child. Witryk no longer has custody of or contact with the child. The child’s father was court-martialed by the U.S. Air Force for his role in the offense.
This case was investigated by Eglin Air Force Base Security Forces Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Walter E. Narramore.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — Northern District of Florida — U.S. Department of Justice press release.