A Florida woman was taken into custody on Tuesday following her return from a two-week trip to Las Vegas, during which she left her child and several dogs unattended in a home described as littered with trash and animal waste in Palatka.
On Monday evening, before 37-year-old Jessica Copeland came back, Putnam County deputies conducted a welfare check in response to a call, as reported by WJXT. At the scene, they encountered an adult who assured them everything was in order and even presented a teenager.
“The child came outside, talked to deputies, and told them everything was fine,” officials said. “There were no issues.”
No issues until another family member contacted the sheriff’s office and this time provided video evidence of the interior of the home.
The deputies returned later and spoke with a child who they found to be managing the household. The child informed them that their mother, Copeland, had departed for Las Vegas on July 21 without providing them with necessary resources. The child revealed they had been “depending on others to deliver food.”
Inside the home, deputies found “poop everywhere” and large bowls of water that contained various insects.”
According to deputies, “[The child] mentioned that the condition of the home has been the same for years,” and noted, “He stated that this is how Jessica maintains the house and [she] neglects to tidy up.”
Large dogs were found emaciated in the home, clearly without water or food. Water that was available wasn’t clean.
The sheriff’s office said the dogs were taken to animal control and will be rehabilitated, although they will require veterinary care.
Copeland is in jail without bond on multiple felony charges, including child neglect and animal cruelty. The child is said to be “safe.”
