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FLORAHOME, Fla. (TNND) — Four people in Florida were charged with child neglect after investigators found multiple children — including a 6-week-old baby — living in what a sheriff called “deplorable” conditions.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as:
Jodie Cannon, 26Melissa Keal, 50John Keal, 52Jordon Wilson, 30
FROM LEFT: Jodie Cannon, Jordon Wilson, John Keal, and Melissa Keal. (Photos: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
“Words cannot describe the house of horrors these children were living,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said in a social media post on July 30.”Animal feces and urine everywhere, black mold, flies — small children trying to navigate hazardous flooring conditions — and the sad part is they have grown around all of this, not knowing they were dealt the absolute worst conditions I can imagine living in a First World country,” DeLoach added.
The sheriff’s office said detectives also found cockroaches in the home, adding that one child slept on a mattress that was swarming with flies, while water damage from broken pipes had caused floors to rot in multiple rooms.
Investigators first visited the home on July 7 after a Department of Children and Families caseworker called authorities and advised the baby be evaluated due to weight loss and a severe diaper rash.
Jodie Cannon (Photo: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
“When the child was admitted to the hospital, it had a low heart rate, low body temperature and low weight. It was determined that without intervention, the infant could have died,” the sheriff’s office said. “Cannon also declined to get medical help when it was offered. Additionally, the infant had lost so much weight that it had dropped below the fifth percentile.”
Cannon was arrested on July 21 and charged with child neglect and aggravated child neglect after doctors determined her baby “suffered from medical neglect.” That’s when the infant, as well as two other children, were removed from the home by the Florida Department of Children and Families, per the sheriff’s office.
Detectives later went back to Cannon’s home and arrested Melissa Keal and John Keal, as well as Jordon Wilson. They were each charged with child neglect “as they all were adult household members who failed to provide the child with care, supervision and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Authorities said Melissa Keal is Cannon’s biological mother, while John Keal is her step-father. Wilson is the biological father of the children.
Jordon Wilson (Photo: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
A fourth child was also removed from the home by the Department of Children and Families in connection with the case, according to authorities. Three children were Cannon’s biological children, who were placed into protective custody.
“I applaud those who have stepped up to show these young children what a safe home, family and love should look like. The children and the foster parents caring for them have a long road ahead of them,” DeLoach said.”Finally, on a positive note, we are happy to report the baby at the start of this case is thriving, happy and gaining weight,” he added. “No information as to age and gender of the children will be released to protect their identity.”
Four dogs and three kittens were voluntarily surrendered to animal services and will be evaluated for adoption, according to authorities.
The sheriff’s office said the case is still active, and more charges are possible.