Inset: Tony Mayner. Background: Mayner”s home in Sarasota, Florida, when he was arrested for child neglect (Sarasota Police Department).
A Florida man has been taken into custody after authorities discovered he and his three children were residing in deplorable conditions, despite efforts by police to assist in cleaning up the premises two months prior.
Tony Mayner, 48, is now facing three counts of child neglect without causing substantial harm, as reported by the Sarasota Police Department. Authorities initially visited the residence in September after observing through the windows that the interior was in a state of chaos, which raised alarms about the well-being of the children, aged 10, 11, and 14.
Upon entering, officers discovered the home littered with empty beer cans, garbage, and various drugs. An empty above-ground pool bizarrely occupied the living room space. The home was devoid of furniture, the refrigerator was empty, and the beds were unclean. Mayner reportedly admitted that the children had not been enrolled in school for two years.
In response, police collaborated with nonprofit organizations to provide the children with food, school supplies, and furniture. The Department of Children and Families also intervened in the situation.
However, roughly two months later, police were alerted to the fact that the children had been absent from school. During a welfare check on the morning of November 6, a Thursday, officers found Mayner and the children still asleep during school hours. The home remained in a state of disarray.
“Upon entering, I immediately noticed several cockroaches scuttling across the floors and walls,” an officer detailed in the probable cause arrest affidavit. “There was wood rot on the interior doors and cabinets, and a strong smell of mold permeated the home.”
Trash and old food was strewn throughout the home. Cops also noted there was “barely any edible food inside the fridge” but there was plenty of booze around. Officers also learned that one of the boys was bitten by the family dog on the night before but Mayner allegedly failed to properly treat the wound.
Mayner was taken to jail where he allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.
“Tony Mayner was given several chances and assistance to help care for [his kids] and it had progressively worsened throughout the investigation,” the affidavit stated. “Tony Mayner’s residence was unsafe to live in due to the cockroaches, flies, unconsumable food, mold smell, uncleanliness, and the necessary essentials to take care of [the children].”
