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SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota parents are facing child neglect charges after police received an anonymous tip that a 5-year-old was in danger.
According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers and the Florida Department of Children and Families responded to a home on 24th Street on Sept. 5, around 1:30 p.m., for a welfare check on a 5-year-old.
When officers and child protection investigators arrived, they found Crystal Kates, 37, and Torrance Boles, 50, under a tent, drinking beer, and the child was not with them.
SPD said inside the home, they found the child alone in a room with a baby gate blocking the bedroom door.
The child’s hair was matted with debris and food, she was wearing a soiled pull-up diaper that was close to tearing off due to the weight, and was unable to speak, officers said.
While inside the home, investigators reported finding a dirty twin mattress and a box spring on the floor with a partially torn, dirty sheet.
Investigators also reported that there were no blankets or pillows, a dresser was in the middle of the floor, empty, and there were no clothes in the closet.
Kates initially told investigators they had just moved into the home, which is why the home was in disarray, but later admitted to living in the home for 10 years.
According to SPD, Kates and Boles were drug tested at the home and tested positive for THC, cocaine, and alcohol.
DCF determined that the condition of the home and the child were severe, and the child was removed and placed with a family member.
Officers said the child was evaluated at the Child Protection Center as an emergency case, where they determined she was a victim of medical neglect, and their findings were consistent with allegations of abuse.
Kates and Boles were arrested on Sept. 11.
On Sept. 12, a judge set Kates’ bond at $30,000 and ordered random drug and alcohol testing as well as no contact with the victim or Boles.
Boles’ bond was set at $40,000, and he was ordered to undergo drug and alcohol testing twice a week and have no contact with the victim or any children, SPD said.
Both remain in custody at the Sarasota County Jail.