VERO BEACH – The Department of Children and Families followed up on a complaint about a Vero Beach home that had three children living in feces, dirt, and trash.
According to the report, DCF investigators found roaches everywhere in the home and dirty dishes with mold growing in them. They found boxes of junk in pathways all over the house, and deputies were unable to walk into most of the rooms because they were piled high with trash and debris.
“The floors have not been mopped in a year or two. There are rats in the garage and possibly in the house,” the report said.
The suspect, Courtney Hammond Jones, was on house arrest and is now on probation for child abuse. Jones is also trying to get disability due to health reasons.
Investigators learned that the children eat at school and receive food stamps.
DCF investigators said they were overcome by the smell of urine throughout the home and had to walk outside several times. Feces were found on all the carpets.
The three children, ages 7, 9, and 10, were home sick from school, but investigators believe their illness is due to their living conditions.
All three children were removed from the home by the Florida Department of Children and Families due to the current hazardous conditions.
Jones was arrested on three counts of child neglect. He remains at the Indian River County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
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