Police: Mom abandoned 'special needs' boy, 10, in woods

SPRINGFIELD - A 10-year-old “special needs” boy found alone in woods near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst last Thursday is in the care of state officials and his mother has been charged with child endangerment, according to New Jersey State Police.

Police on Tuesday said Debra Wisler, 39, of Millville, was arrested on Friday after being brought to the Bordentown state police station. She was released after processing pending a hearing in Burlington County Superior Court.

State police said a passing motorist spotted the boy in a wooded area near the visitor’s center at the base. The motorist contacted military personnel, who brought the boy to the visitor’s center.

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The boy was given food, water and then evaluated by military first responders. He was determined to have minor injuries that weren't life-threatening.

State police said the boy told center employees his mother walked him into the woods with his luggage and left him there. He stated that he fell asleep and woke up hungry.

The boy was able to provide his mother’s name and phone number to employees, who then contacted Wisler.

State police detectives assumed custody of the boy and brought him to Bordentown Station. The Division of Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and they were able locate a temporary home for him.

Millville police spokesman Lt. Ross Hoffman said the department was contacted by the child protection division about Wisler but were referred to state police. Wisler's last known address was on the first block of West Main Street, he said.

Joseph P. Smith; (856) 563-5252; jsmith@gannettnj.com