MITCHELL — A Mitchell woman is facing a charge of neglect of a dependent following an incident on October 9, 2025, where her daughter was reported missing while the mother was allegedly severely intoxicated.
Rachel Jane Hudson, 53, of Mitchell, was arrested on a warrant following an investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. The charge stems from a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Ryan Paschall.
According to the affidavit, Central Dispatch received a report of a missing juvenile, the daughter of Rachel Hudson, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on October 9. Information provided to officers indicated the juvenile might be at a home in the 700 block of Twin Bridges Road.
Officer Paschall and other officers located the juvenile at the residence. The family of that residence confirmed they had picked up the girl with permission from Hudson.
The reported missing juvenile stated that her mother had been “severely intoxicated for the past week” and that she did not feel comfortable being around her while she was drinking. The daughter stated she had informed her mother she would be going to her friend’s house and left a written note, expressing concern that her mother would not remember the conversation due to her intoxication. The juvenile confirmed she was safe and not a runaway.
When officers arrived at Hudson’s residence in the 2000 block of Spice Valley Road, they found Mitchell Fire personnel already on the scene, checking her vital signs. The affidavit states that Hudson was visibly intoxicated and admitted to consuming an entire fifth of whiskey within approximately three hours.
Hudson reportedly expressed feelings of hopelessness, stating she had “nothing to live for” following the death of her husband. While speaking with officers, she attempted to reach for another bottle of whiskey, and remained largely unresponsive when reminded of her responsibilities as a parent.
Given the circumstances, officers immediately contacted the Department of Child Services (DCS). Officer Paschall provided a DCS agent with all relevant information, including the temporary care arrangement for the juvenile at the child’s friend’s residence.
Based on the facts gathered during the investigation, Officer Paschall filed a probable cause affidavit, leading to a request for a warrant for Hudson’s arrest.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the Probable Cause Affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
