Dad abandons daughter in hot car while he goes swimming (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Can't help but wonder if dad ROBERT TAFOYA was unemployed because of his probation status, and that's how he became a "caretaker"--since Mom probably had to work.

http://www.kasa.com/dpps/news/crime/father-faces-child-abandonment-chargers_3876271

Father faces child abandonment chargers
Updated: Monday, 11 Jul 2011, 10:45 AM MDT
Published : Monday, 11 Jul 2011, 10:45 AM MDT

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque father is behind bars accused of leaving his young daughter inside his hot car while he lounged around at a public swimming pool.

Robert Tafoya, 30, was in court Sunday to face child abandonment charges.

According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, Tafoya left his daughter, described as a "special needs" child, inside his hot car to punish her for acting up.

The incident took place Saturday at the Los Padillas Aquatic Center in the south valley.

Sheriff's deputies said when they found the little girl she was crying, sweating, and shaking.

Parents at the swimming pool said there is no excuse for the father's actions.

“This is just a terrible thing. I mean, kids come first you know that's not discipline,” Leroy Gutierrez said. “That is child abuse, somebody like that should be locked up."

Tafoya is in jail on a no-bond hold for a probation violation.