A mother has been taken into custody following the discovery of her three children living in a filthy home overrun with insects.
Jacqueline Daniel, aged 43, is facing three charges of child neglect, as per official documentation.
The arrest occurred on Monday after the woman brought her 10-year-old son to the hospital under the Baker Act, also known as the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, reportedly because he resisted attending school, based on arrest records.
Upon examination, the boy was found to have numerous lice, lice eggs, and ticks on his scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, leading to scratches and scabs. Investigative reports indicate that Daniel acknowledged being aware of her son and daughter having lice but neglected to treat the infestation.
During discussions with a Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator, it was revealed that Daniel had not received child support and was struggling to secure better employment.
Following this, authorities were prompted to check on Daniel’s two other children, aged 15 and 9, at their residence.
Upon arrival at the home on West New York Avenue, deputies witnessed cockroaches falling from the ceiling and crawling throughout the property, including on the children themselves.
Additionally, investigators noted the presence of black mold patches on the walls, along with cluttered trash bags, junk items, and dirty sheets strewn across the beds and floors.
When questioned about a bathroom sink filled with dirty water, the woman claimed ignorance of the clog and inquired about the responsible party, with no response from the children.
Subsequently, the two children found at the residence were placed under the care of a guardian and taken to a hospital for treatment for their lice infestations, based on court records.
Daniel was arrested and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, though she has since been released on general terms, as indicated by records.
This incident follows the arrest of a couple who had six children confined to their rooms in a home described as covered in excrement by the police.
Nathan Forczyk and Laura Forczyk faced six charges of child neglect each after authorities found the children locked in separate rooms without access to essential amenities.
Police reported the dire conditions within the home, highlighting the lack of food, water, and restroom facilities for the confined children.
The property was described as severely deteriorated, with missing walls, exposed live wiring, and a pervasive stench of excrement, making it hazardous and unsanitary for the children’s well-being.
Acknowledging the family’s dire situation, a spokesperson from the Palm Bay Police Department stated that the Forczyks were in urgent need of assistance and facing challenging circumstances.
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