Mother Of Missing Florida Girl Charged

Prosecutors have filed formal charges against the 22-year-old mother of a missing central Florida girl, but not in her disappearance.

Casey Anthony was formally charged Tuesday with child neglect and filing a false statement. Police have held her on $500,000 bail on those charges since last month. A delay between an arrest and formal charges is typical in Florida as prosecutors build their case.

Prosecution documents did not provide more details about 2-year-old Caylee's disappearance. Prosecutors declined comment because they want to avoid publicity that could lead the trial to be moved.

Police say Anthony lied and didn't report her daughter missing for more than a month.

Her attorney denies the charges and says Anthony believes Caylee is alive.

Last month, prosecutors said in court that Casey Anthony is a person of interest in what is beginning to look like a homicide investigation, though she has not been charged. Sheriff's deputies testified that her car smelled of decomposition, and a cadaver-trained dog noted a smell of human remains there.