Four arrested in two incidents of child neglect and animal cruelty in Floral City and Inverness
Photo flyer courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County, Florida - Two recent, unrelated investigations by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) - one in Inverness and one in Floral City - led to the arrest of four people, two in each case, on charges of child neglect and animal cruelty.
Inverness, FL incident, January 24
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, deputies responded to a residence on East Patience Lane in Inverness, Florida, following a 9-1-1 call that reported a dog attack.
Upon their arrival to the residence, a recreational vehicle (RV), deputies and an animal control officer discovered five puppies and six adult dogs living in deplorable conditions. It was determined that none of the animals were current on their vaccinations, and the interior of the RV was covered in feces, with a strong odor of ammonia and an abundance of flies, according to a press release. The press release also stated that 52 year-old Steven Oliver, 49 year-old Shannon Oliver and a minor were living outside the RV in tents, with no access to running water or electricity, and the conditions outside were unsafe and unsanitary, due to an area with exposed human feces.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) arrived on scene to observe the living conditions. DCF officials determinined that the defendants could not meet the basic essential needs of the minor in their care, and the minor was removed from the home. According to the CCSO, the child was sleeping in a separate tent that contained blankets covered in dog feces and urine.
Steven Oliver and Shannon Oliver were both charged with eleven counts of animal cruelty and child neglect, with their bonds set at $24,000 each.
Floral City, FL incident, January 27
Just three days later, on Friday, January 27, 2023, deputies responded to a residence located on East Laurel Court in Floral City, Florida to conduct a welfare check on an animal.
Inside the residence, in the middle of the living room, deputies observed a child, sleeping on a torn up mattress inside a crib, and another child walking around the living room with dried fecal matter on the bottom of his/her feet. Deputies found seven severely malnourished dogs inside the home, and urine and feces scattered throughout the house.
The residents, 35 year-old Jannet Fairfield and 30 year-old Lexx Lucas, were detained. While being questioned, Ms. Fairfield told deputies that three other juvenile children live in the home, who were attending school at the time. She stated that the juveniles do not have beds, and they sleep together on the couch.
Based upon the findings of the investigation, all animals were seized. DCF officials also responded to the home and removed all five children from the home
Fairfield and Lucas were both placed under arrest, each charged with seven counts of animal cruelty and child neglect, with their bonds set at $16,000.
Sheriff Prendergast's comment
"No one, human or animal, should be subjected to live in such appalling conditions," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "The disgusting situation seen in both cases was dangerous, not only for the children living in the homes, but for the animals, as well. Animal abuse and child neglect go hand in hand; if someone cannot care for a pet, then chances are they cannot care for a child. It is crucial that our citizens report any possible signs of neglect that they may see, because sometimes - like in the Olivers' case - the juvenile may not have regular access to responsible adults who could have helped."
Contact Citrus County Animal Control
Citrus County Animal Control Officers are available to respond to routine calls for service between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, every day of the week, including holidays.
Emergencies are responded to 24 / 7 / 365. Requests for emergency service should be made to the CCSO Communications Center at 352-249-2790 or by dialing 9-1-1.