Custody Clash: Waldorf Woman Accused Of Abducting 1-Year-Old Relative From D.C.

LA PLATA, Md. — A Waldorf woman is accused of taking a 1-year-old relative from the child’s grandmother’s home in Washington, D.C., and refusing to return him, according to charging documents.

According to charging documents, the child’s mother stated that on or about Nov. 8, 2025, Leticia Celestine Bottom, 61, described as a relative, took the boy from his grandmother’s residence in Southeast Washington without the permission of either parent and brought him to her home on Amwich Court in Waldorf.

The mother told the court she first contacted police on Nov. 9 after learning the child had been removed from the grandmother’s care. She said that when she reached out to Bottom to get her son back, Bottom refused and warned her not to come near the house.

The mother again sought police assistance on Nov. 16, reporting that Bottom still would not return the boy even though he was inside the Waldorf home. The mother also wrote that Bottom is subject to a stay-away order barring her from contacting the mother but nonetheless had custody of the child, the filing states.

Separate court records show that on Nov. 17, the day after the second police contact, Bottom filed a civil complaint for custody against the child’s mother.

In the criminal case, Bottom is charged with one count of abducting a child relative within the state, a misdemeanor under Maryland family law that carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. An arrest warrant was issued on Nov. 16 and served on Nov. 18.

Bottom was released on her own recognizance following her initial appearance on Nov. 18. A trial is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2026, in Charles County District Court.

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