A 46-year-old Bloomfield man was arrested Feb. 13 on a warrant for neglect of a dependent and compulsory school attendance violation after his child, as of Jan. 4, missed 29 days of school.

Bloomfield Police Department Officer Jordan Brant arrested Daniel Lee Puett on a warrant, which was issued on Jan. 8.

According to a probable cause affidavit written by Bloomfield School Resource Officer Marvin Holt, Puett’s child enrolled at the school on Nov. 2, 2023. As of Dec. 4, 2023, the child had missed 18 days of school – only attending two days since enrollment. When Holt attempted to serve a 10-day compulsory attendance letter to Puett on Dec. 4 at the address listed in school paperwork, he was informed by a family member that Puett did not and had never lived at that address. Holt was given a phone number by the family member and attempted to reach Puett several times via phone but was unsuccessful.

A few weeks later, Holt spoke with an individual listed on the school’s contact list believed to be linked to Puett. According to the probable cause affidavit, the individual told Holt she would contact Puett and let him know charges would be filed if he did not contact Holt.

As of Jan. 4, Holt had not spoken with Puett. At that time, the student had 29 absences without doctor’s notes or call-ins from Puett.

Per the probable cause, Puett left a message with Greene County Dispatch stating he attempted to withdraw his student on Dec. 20; however, the school was closed for winter break. School staff confirmed Puett was visible on the school cameras.

After obtaining an address, Puett and Junior/Senior High School Principal David Dean went to the residence. According to the probable cause affidavit, no vehicles were at the residence and no one answered the door after approximately five minutes of knocking.

After his arrest on Feb. 13, Puett was held on a $4,500 surety with 10% cash allowed.

He appeared in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on Feb. 15.

He is being charged with neglect of a dependent – deprives dependent of education as required by law, a Level 6 Felony, and compulsory school attendance violation, a Class B Misdemeanor.