A Florida woman was arrested Wednesday and charged with neglecting two boys under the age of 16 after responding deputies found their home was cluttered and filthy, littered with animal and human waste, and infested with bugs.
According to Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to assist the Department of Children and Families in investigating an anonymous tip that two boys were being neglected.
Upon their arrival, deputies and a DCF investigator met with Bettina Miller, 66, who invited them into the home.
Deputies saw “deplorable” conditions and learned that the home’s plumbing had been broken for several weeks, rendering the toilets unusable. The residents use buckets to use the bathroom inside, and a water hose outside to shower.
Investigators say spoiled food and insects were in the kitchen, and trash and clothes covered the floor in each bedroom. In addition, the visitors were met with several barking dogs and puppies, some kept in cages and some loose.
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Deputies found a chain and padlock on Miller’s bedroom, although she said she only uses the lock to keep the boys out of her room – not to lock them inside.
Investigators also learned the boys have not attended school in months or seen a doctor in years.
Based on their investigation and observation of unhealthy living conditions and neglect of health care for both boys, deputies arrested Miller and charged her with child neglect and abuse.
She was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail where she was held with no bail allowed pending a first court appearance.
DCF took the boys into custody until arrangements can be made to place them with other family members. Volusia County Animal Control was alerted about the dogs and puppies at the home.
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