JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The mother of a 21-month-old boy who disappeared six weeks ago pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to charges of child neglect and giving false information to police.
Lonna Barton, 25, who is free on bond, said nothing during the brief appearance in court. About 15-20 demonstrators were outside the courthouse.
Lonzie Barton was reported missing July 24 while his mother was working a night shift and her boyfriend was watching the toddler and his 5-year-old sister. That boyfriend, William Ruben Ebron Jr., is also charged in connection with the case. He is being held without bond.
One of the protest organizers said she doesn't believe that Lonna Barton is telling the truth about not knowing what happened to her son.
Lonna Barton's attorney said she is cooperating with authorities, that she has been in touch with her daughter and her top priority is getting her back.
"This is a very, very difficult time for Ms. Barton," defense attorney Jay Forrest said. "It's every mother's worst nightmare. We are doing everything we can to set the record straight and move forward in the case."
Forrest said the defense just received about 35 computer discs containing prosecution evidence in the case for the defense to review before Barton's next hearing, set for Oct. 6. Barton is not expected to appear at that hearing.
Forrest said the attorneys have a long process ahead of them.
"We believe in the system. We believe in due process," Forrest said. "As time goes on, everything will come out."
Police said after finding Lonzie with a serious head injury, Lonna Barton still left him in the care of Ebron, and hours later, Ebron reported Lonzie missing, saying his car had been stolen with the child inside. The car was found about an hour later just a few blocks away with no sign of Lonzie.
Police said that when she was approached by officers that night after returning from work, Barton lied to them about even knowing Ebron.
Several members of the Facebook group "Help Find Lonzie Barton" lined the streets surrounding the courthouse with signs and posters with Lonzie's name and picture. They said they want Lonna Barton to know they are going to continue fighting for justice for the 21-month-old.
As Sabra Rhue stood outside the Duval County Courthouse, she said she hopes and prays for answers. She held a picture of Lonzie, a boy she's distantly related to, but never had a chance to meet. In many ways, he has consumed her thoughts.
"Just knowing he's out there somewhere and nobody knows where," Rhue said. "I just can't sleep at night just knowing he doesn't have any peace." Â
Robin Gore, from North Carolina, said she has followed the case since an Amber Alert was issued and is an active member of the Facebook group, "Help Find Lonzie Barton."
"I started following from there, keeping up with all the new reports, listening to Chief Hackney's briefings, making sure I kept up with everything," Gore said.
"My little boy is actually 7 months older than Lonzie, so when I look at him, so many things race through my head (about) what that little baby had to have (gone) through," Gore said.
Gore said several people from the Facebook group and the community conducted a peaceful protest outside of the courthouse. She said they did not want to cause a scene but want to reminded Lonna Barton of the importance of telling the truth and bringing Lonzie home.
"Maybe it will make her realize that he's out there, and he needs her to step forward and give him justice," Rhue said.
