LAKEVILLE, Minn., Sept. 29 (UPI) -- A Lakeville, Minn., father accused of abandoned his son in July is now seeking regular visitation with the boy.
Steven A. Cross, 60, who faces charges of child neglect, appeared in Dakota County Juvenile Court Wednesday, asking for regular visitation with his son Sebastian, the (Minneapolis) Star Tribune reported.
Cross allegedly left for California July 18, leaving only a note for Sebastian, 11, to find when he woke up.
The note told Sebastian to stay with his best friend and neighbor Charlie Pahl, where he stayed until Aug. 17, when an emergency hearing was held about whether the boy was in need of protective services.
Judge Richard Spicer said Wednesday visitation would be decided after Cross is released from jail. Cross is being held in Dakota County jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Sebastian is now living with his maternal aunt Kimmie Porter, a licensed foster care provider in Minneapolis who also cares for the boy's 16-year-old sister.
Porter said Sebastian is "flourishing" and is busy with school and getting to know family, including three more brothers, his estranged mother and extended family.
