Utica Mom Charged for Failing to Control Son's Multiple Crimes

In Utica, New York, Nurto Mohamed, a 36-year-old mother, was charged with the misdemeanor of endangering the welfare of a child for failing to control her 11-year-old son, who has been involved in multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including armed robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, and arson. Due to New York's Raise the Age law, the boy cannot be criminally charged, prompting police to hold Mohamed accountable after repeated offenses and failed interventions. Authorities emphasized that they offered support services to Mohamed multiple times, but she was unwilling to prevent her son's criminal behavior. The charge is rarely used but deemed necessary by the Utica Police Department and Oneida County District Attorney as a last resort to address public safety concerns. Police hope this action sends a message that such behaviors cannot continue unchecked and may consider similar charges in future cases if parents fail to intervene. The case has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the challenges of addressing juvenile crime while respecting family dynamics.