BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington woman is facing serious charges after allegedly boarding a city bus with a two-year-old boy zipped inside a suitcase in December. Ashley Gibson, 29, is charged with neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, and criminal recklessness, a Class B misdemeanor.
According to court documents, Gibson boarded a Bloomington Transit bus on December 12 carrying a suitcase. The bus driver immediately pulled over and contacted police after Gibson reportedly informed the driver that there was a baby inside the suitcase.
Upon arriving at the scene, police reviewed video footage from the bus, which revealed that the child remained inside the suitcase for nearly 18 minutes after Gibson boarded. Court records indicate that Gibson told officers she placed the child in the suitcase to keep him warm. However, police pointed out that the bus stop where Gibson boarded had a glass enclosure, and the child was dressed in a puffy winter coat with the hood up, raising questions about the necessity of such actions.
Further investigation revealed that Gibson did not explain why the child remained inside the suitcase once aboard the bus. She also reportedly claimed that her family caseworker had advised her it was acceptable to do.
A warrant for Gibson’s arrest was issued on Thursday, January 9, and she was taken into custody at her home on the evening of Tuesday, January 14. Gibson made her initial court appearance on Wednesday, January 15, and a plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf. The Monroe County Public Defender’s Office is appointed to represent her. A pretrial conference is scheduled for March 12 at 1:30 p.m. and a jury trial for April 23 at 9:00 a.m. Monroe Circuit Court 9. Gibson was released from jail and placed on case management, which manages cases and provides treatment and supervision for offenders.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
