CPD Officers were dispatched to Columbia Walmart on Friday, August 23, 2019 after a report of a number of children being left at the store by a female. Officers made contact with 6 children, ranging in age from 6-11, who had been taken inside the store by a female identified as Amanda Jardinez. She reportedly told the minors to find a worker to speak with, and began to walk out. Three of the juveniles attempted to follow Jardinez back out of the store before she stopped, turned, and made them go back inside. Jardinez then left with a male subject, later identified as James Alex “Loop” Holovich, in a blue Dodge Caravan. Holovich’s 5-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle.

Officers contacted Social Services and the children were able to be placed with relatives. Later that evening a warrant was signed by Columbia Police. Jardinez was located the following evening in Pulaski County by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police and was taken into custody.

Amanda Jardinez, 34, of Somerset, KY has been charged in Adair County with 6 counts of Abandonment of a Minor and Wanton Endangerment (both felonies). She was also arrested on an active Failure to Appear Warrant for 4th degree Assault out of Rockcastle County and was lodged in the Rockcastle Co. Jail.

The case is still ongoing. CPD Officers John Dial and Adam Cravens are the investigating Officers.