Mom of child joyrider faces neglect

BAD AXE, Mich. (AP) - The mother of a 7-year-old Michigan boy who took his stepfather's car on a 20-mile journey in June is facing a neglect allegation.

The Huron Daily Tribune of Bad Axe and the Detroit Free Press report the woman is due in court Oct. 6.

Huron County Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski says the boy's mother is accused bringing her son with her to spend the night in July at the home of a convicted sex offender. No abuse is suspected.

The allegation came to light as authorities looked into the family's situation after the ride June 20 in Huron County.

After the ride, Rutkowski in a petition charged the boy, now 8, with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He says the petition will be dismissed.

The boy's father is seeking custody.