After responding deputies discovered their home was cluttered and filthy, littered with animal and human waste, and infested with bugs, a Florida woman was arrested and charged with neglecting two boys under the age of 16.
Deputies were called to assist the Florida Department of Children and Families with investigating an anonymous tip that two boys were being neglected, according to the County Sheriff's Office. When deputies and a DCF investigator arrived, Bettina Miller, 66, welcomed them into her home.
Deputies arrived to find "deplorable" conditions and discovered that the home's plumbing had been broken for several weeks, rendering the toilets inoperable. Residents use buckets to use the bathroom inside and a water hose to shower outside.
According to investigators, there was spoiled food and insects in the kitchen, and trash and clothing covered the floor in each bedroom. In addition, visitors were greeted by a swarm of barking dogs and puppies, some of which were kept in cages and others free.
Deputies discovered a chain and padlock on Miller's bedroom door, despite the fact that she claims she only uses the lock to keep the boys out of her room, not to lock them inside.
Investigators also discovered that the boys had not attended school in months and had not seen a doctor in years.
Deputies arrested Miller and charged her with child neglect and abuse based on their investigation and observation of unhealthy living conditions and neglect of health care for both boys.
She was taken to the County Branch Jail and held without bail pending her first court appearance.
DCF took the boys into custody until other family members could be found to care for them. The County Animal Control was notified of the dogs and puppies at the residence.
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