FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Palm Coast couple for child and elderly neglect after deputies said a welfare check uncovered severe cockroach infestation and egregious living conditions in their home.
On Tuesday, Flagler County Fire Rescue requested a welfare check while assisting an elderly man in the W-Section of Palm Coast. Fire rescue personnel said they observed bedding stained with feces and urine, live cockroaches, cockroach droppings, and garbage scattered throughout the residence.
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Deputies responded to the home and contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families after completing the welfare check. Due to the severity of the conditions, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit detectives took over the investigation immediately.
Detectives said they found a strong odor of urine, spoiled food, and feces throughout the home. While speaking with Tashaye Brown, 31, of Palm Coast, they said they noticed an infant inside a Pack ‘n Play infested with cockroaches.
According to deputies, Brown admitted she was aware of the infestation but said hiring a professional was too expensive. She explained that she would turn the Pack ‘n Play upside down to shake out the insects, place the infant back inside, and spray cockroach insecticide around the base.
Further inspection revealed black spots consistent with cockroach droppings on electrical outlets, walls, ceilings, and mold around HVAC vents.
Detectives also interviewed the elderly man, who had recently returned from the hospital. He said a nurse who previously cared for him no longer worked there, and he did not know who was supposed to help him. The man, unable to walk, feed, or change himself or take medication without assistance, had scabs on his legs and insects emerging from his socks, according to deputies.
Brown said she and her fiancé, Nikolas Cummings, 32, of Palm Coast, moved into the home about two years ago to care for the elderly man because her cousin was unable to do so. However, she stated it was the cousin’s responsibility. Cummings said he and Brown were the elderly man’s sole caretakers.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said, “The deplorable conditions of that house were no place for a toddler or a senior with serious medical issues. These two feigned ignorance over the trash, feces and insects covering the floors, walls and victims inside the home. This was not a matter of money, they did not care about the hygiene of their home, the welfare of their child, or the medical needs of their family members. They put in zero effort. We will make sure their cells are clean at the Green Roof Inn.”
The elderly victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and the infant was placed in the care of family members. The Florida Department of Children and Families is conducting a separate investigation to assess the welfare of both victims.