In November, we wrote about a Lakeville father who left his 11-year-old son in the care of neighbors while he drove to California in search of financial help. The 60-year-old man is charged with child neglect, and will now face a jury in a trial that is scheduled to begin next week.

The 60-year-old father was arrested in California and extradited back to Minnesota. In addition to the criminal charges, he also lost child custody of his son. Last month, he hoped to be reunited with him, but Social Services did not approve the meeting. The man will attend another child protection hearing next month with the hopes of seeing his son.

The 60-year-old man initially left Minnesota when he ran out of money to pay his mortgage. With just $1,000 to his name he drove to California in search of relatives who could possibly help him, but was unable to locate any of them.

When the father decided to leave Minnesota, he left behind a note instructing his son to go to a neighbor's home where they could care for him. The 11 year old did stay with neighbors for a time period, but later moved in with a relative.

The young boy has also been reunited with his mother. Previously, he had been told that his mother was dead. His mother gave up parental rights in 2002.

If the father is found guilty of child neglect, he could spend up to a year in jail. Even if he is found not guilty, it is unclear if he will be able to regain custody of his son.

Source: Pioneer Press, "Lakeville dad accused of abandoning son will fight charge," Maricella Miranda, Jan. 5, 2012