The Flagler County Sheriff's Office announced that an incarcerated woman known as Taylor gave birth on Dec. 11 to a healthy son, Kingston Ryder (8 lb 12 oz, 20.5 in). Taylor, arrested at about six months pregnant in August, is participating in the jail’s SMART rehabilitation program for mental health and addiction recovery. Deputies and the SMART team arranged a surprise baby shower, and temporary guardianship for Kingston was granted to a family in Vermont while Taylor completes treatment and prepares for reunification after release.
Flagler County Deputies Surprise Incarcerated Mother With Baby Shower Before She Gives Birth to Healthy Son
Flagler County Sheriff's Office/FacebookSheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility inmate, Taylor, welcomes baby son, Kingston Ryder
An inmate at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility in Flagler County, Florida, has praised deputies for supporting her throughout pregnancy and the delivery of her newborn son. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office announced on Facebook that the woman, identified only as Taylor, delivered a healthy baby boy on Thursday, Dec. 11.
Baby Details and Condition
The newborn, named Kingston Ryder, arrived weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. The Sheriff's Office said both mother and baby are healthy and that photos shared to social media show Taylor holding her son in the hospital.
Arrest, Program Placement, And Guardianship
According to the Sheriff's Office, Taylor was about six months pregnant when deputies arrested her in August. A judge placed her in the jail’s SMART Program — Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment — where she is participating in rehabilitation efforts aimed at addressing substance use and preparing for reentry.
Because Taylor is incarcerated during Kingston’s early life, temporary guardianship has been granted to a family in Vermont who will care for the infant while she completes treatment. Officials said Taylor is expected to continue the SMART Program at the detention facility and, if she graduates successfully, will enter an outpatient treatment plan that will allow her to care for Kingston after release.
Surprise Baby Shower
Before the birth, deputies and the SMART team organized a surprise baby shower inside the jail. Master Detention Deputy Justine Crego and Deputy Danielle Boyer reportedly purchased gifts with their own money to help Taylor prepare. Deputies said the event reflects Sheriff Rick Staly’s view that supporting inmates’ rehabilitation and family reunification can strengthen the community.
"I got everything you could possibly think of," Taylor told Fox 35 Orlando of the shower, noting gifts ranged from a car seat to hygiene supplies. She described the SMART Program as "incredible" and said it is helping her change her life for the better.
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office shared the birth announcement on Facebook on Dec. 17. The office did not immediately respond to requests from People for additional comment.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office/FacebookSheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility inmate, Taylor, welcomes baby son, Kingston Ryder, and gets a visit from an officer
Flagler County Sheriff's Office/FacebookSheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility inmate, Taylor, welcomes baby son, Kingston Ryder
Flagler County Sheriff's Office/FacebookSheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility inmate Taylor's baby son, Kingston Ryder
