NORTH BEACH, Md. — A North Beach woman faces child neglect charges after authorities say she disappeared for more than 28 hours, leaving a juvenile alone at home without water, marking the third reported incident of alleged neglect in recent months. Melissa Jean Sanford, 52, of North Beach, allegedly left the child unsupervised between Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, 2025.
Court records show Calvert County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 3900 block of Sea Bream Court on Oct. 4, 2025, around 5:25 p.m. for a welfare check. Documents state a complainant called authorities requesting a welfare check on the child, reporting concerns about the child’s mental well-being. Charging papers indicate deputies learned Sanford was last at the residence around 11 a.m. on Oct. 3 and was last seen around 1 p.m. that day.
Authorities report deputies attempted to contact Sanford three times by telephone with no success. Court filings state the child expressed concern about Sanford’s safety and well-being. Documents reveal the Calvert County Mobile Crisis Team responded to provide support and coping resources.
The Mobile Crisis Team remained on scene speaking with the child for approximately two hours, charging papers show. Records indicate Sanford did not return home during that time. Court documents state the child expressed not feeling safe being alone and reported there was no water inside the residence. Authorities report the child had been home alone for approximately 28 hours.
According to officials, the child was wearing an ankle monitor that had been in place since Oct. 3, 2025, with requirements including not being outside the residence past 6 p.m. Documents state deputies contacted the Department of Juvenile Services for authorization to allow the Mobile Crisis Team to transport the child to the Calvert County Health Department to spend the night.
This incident represents the third reported instance of alleged neglect by Sanford in recent months, charging papers indicate. Records show that on Sept. 2, 2025, around 12:42 a.m., deputies responded to assist Emergency Medical Services with the child, who was reported to not be feeling well. Court documents state EMS could not transport the juvenile to a hospital because Sanford denied consent for medical transport. Authorities report Child Protective Services was contacted and took a report.
Earlier in September, court filings reveal deputies responded to the Sea Bream Court residence where Sanford allegedly left six used hypodermic needles and multiple unused needles in locations accessible to the child. Documents state this incident was also reported to Child Protective Services.
Sanford faces one count of neglect of a minor carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine under Maryland law. Court records show prosecutors issued a summons rather than making a custodial arrest.
The Calvert County Public Defender’s Office entered an appearance on Oct. 9, 2025, and filed motions for speedy trial and discovery inspection, documents indicate. A preliminary inquiry is scheduled for Nov. 24, 2025, in Calvert County District Court in Prince Frederick.
The State’s Attorney’s Office for Calvert County is prosecuting the charge.
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