Rotting Food, Feces, Drugs Prompt 2 Child Neglect Arrests

SARASOTA, FL — A tip called into the Sarasota Police Department about possible child neglect led to the arrest of two adults and the removal of five children on Monday after officers encountered conditions they say made the home unsuitable to live in.

According to the agency, police responded to a home in the 1300 block of 18th Street Nov. 28 to perform a welfare check. Once inside, “officers observed broken glass scattered throughout the home, animal and human feces on the floor and multiple prescription pill containers left open within reach of children,” an email from police said.

Officers also found clothes, rotting food and trash. A strong odor of urine was evident throughout the home, the email noted. A burned Brillo pad and a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine were also found “in plain view near additional empty pill bottles,” the email added.

As police inspected the property, they spoke with Joseph P. Dromeshauser III, 34. He told them the home had no running water nor was there a way to dispose of human waste. Dromeshauser said the family visited a relative weekly to shower and wash clothes, the email said.

"The conditions in this home were the worst I've ever seen," said Det. Megan Buck. "No child or adult should have to live in conditions like this. Someone knew something wasn't right with this family and called law enforcement. I'm thankful they did.”

Dromeshauser was charged with five counts of child neglect along with drug-related charges. After an hour of being inside the home, officers found Amanda L. Dean, 34, hiding in a closet, the email said. She told officers she hid because she was afraid to go to jail. She was also charged with five counts of child neglect.

Sarasota Police say the five children, ranging in age from 11 months to 17 years, were removed and the Department of Children and Families was contacted.

Booking photos courtesy of the Sarasota County Jail