This mother reported her 11-year-old son missing -- now she's facing charges

SMYRNA, Ga. — Police have charged the mother of an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing over the weekend.

The boy disappeared from his Smyrna home early Saturday morning. His mother, Jessica Prowse, told police that he left after an argument with his parents, but police say there was a lot more to it.

Officers say Jessica Prowse was abusing her son and he left the house to get away from her. According to an arrest warrant released Monday, the 11-year-old left the home to “seek safety from the abuse.”

He was later found safe.

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Douglas MacDonald, Prowse's neighbor, has known her for 20 years. He was surprised to see her mugshot.

"She is a good mother. I think this is terrible," he said.

The search Saturday included several agencies, including the FBI. Police say she put both children in danger when she drove drunk and used drugs.

"It’s a surprise to me. I wouldn’t think she would have," MacDonald said.

Prowse is facing one count of cruelty to children in the first degree and one count of making false statements to police.

She's out of jail on a $20,000 bond.

Cox Media Group