In a troubling case last week, authorities in Florida took a couple into custody after discovering their 1-year-old son living in deplorable conditions.
On January 13, emergency responders from Flagler Fire Rescue were called to assist Tashaye Brown’s elderly and disabled uncle, who had experienced a fall. Upon arriving, the lieutenant on duty observed that the residence was infested with insects and had a strong odor of cat urine and feces, as reported by Flagler Live.
During their inspection, the responders discovered the toddler son of Brown and Nikolas Cummings allegedly sleeping amidst garbage in the living room. According to Flagler Live, roaches were found crawling on the child, and emergency personnel had to remove insects from his hair.
Officers from Flagler County reported that food was scarce for the child. Although Brown had recently purchased some fruit for him, the refrigerator was reportedly covered in mold.
Authorities were also unable to confirm if Brown’s elderly uncle was receiving his necessary medications or adequate nutrition. Additionally, they noted that the elderly man’s 38-year-old son, who resided in the same home, exhibited behavior suggestive of a possible undiagnosed behavioral or mental health issue.
“I understand this is Florida, and bugs are common, but this situation was excessive,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly commented to WESH.
According to an affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, Brown told police how “she sprays Raid Roach Spray around the home [and] flips [the 1-year-old’s] portable enclosure upside down to shake the insects out. Then [Brown] places [the 1-year-old] back inside and sprays a ‘protective’ tight circle of Raid Roach Spray around the immediate base of the enclosure.”
Brown and Cummings are charged with child and elderly neglect. WESH reported that the couple’s son was placed with Brown’s sister, while Brown’s uncle was hospitalized. His condition was not disclosed.
“”Hopefully, DCF will get this family on the right track,” Staly commented. “Give them the tools so they can be proper parents and help this elderly man also.”
[Feature Photo: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office]
