Mom: 'Miscommunication' behind missing baby

A miscommunication launched a frantic almost three-hour police search Thursday morning for a newborn infant in a stolen car, the mother's attorney said in court Friday.

Cincinnati police said Nacole Benton, 28, reported that her 2003 red Ford Fusion was stolen from in front of her home on Hopkins Street in West End, after she left it running with her 18-day-old daughter, Lamilyan Benton, in the back seat. Two minors are facing charges in connection with the stolen car, but police said the baby was never missing.

As officers swarmed multiple neighborhoods searching for Lamilyan, Benton left her home with the child and returned 20 to 30 minutes later to make it look like the baby was missing, Lt. Steve Saunders said. Police arrested and charged Benton with obstructing official business, making false alarms and inducing panic.

CPD: Newborn wasn't missing in stolen car, mother charged

Benton appeared for an arraignment Friday morning before Hamilton County Judge William Mallory. Her attorney said Benton did not report the baby missing. Benton only reported the stolen car and there was a "miscommunication," her attorney stated.

Benton's attorney said the 911 call should prove her claim. The Enquirer has requested a recording of the 911 call from the Cincinnati Police Department but has not received it.

Lamilyan is in the care of a paternal aunt, according to Hamilton County Job and Family Services. Two other children were removed from the home and placed in the agency's custody.

Mallory placed a $20,000 bond on Benton and said she is only allowed to have supervised visits with Lamilyan. Benton is next scheduled to appear in court on March 14.