SARASOTA, FL. – December 1, 2016 – 8 a.m.
Amanda L. Dean, 34, and Joseph P. Dromeshauser, III, 34, of 1315 18th Street, Sarasota, have been charged with five (5) counts each of child neglect without great bodily harm. Dromeshauser has also been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Monday, November 28, 2016, Sarasota Police Officers responded to 1315 18th Street in reference to a welfare check. When Officers arrived on scene, they located five children: 17 year old male, 12 year old male, 10 year old male, 2 year old male and 11 month old female. During a walkthrough of the home, Officers determined the home was not suitable to live in.
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. Officers also found trash, clothes, rotting food and a strong order of urine throughout the home. While speaking with Dromeshauser, Officers noticed countertops and sinks were filled with dishes, old rotting food, trash and bottles filled with urine. Inside one of the bedrooms, Officers found a burnt brillo and a pipe used to smoke crack cocaine in plain view near additional empty pill bottles.
In addition to observations of the home, Officers learned from Dromeshauser that the home had no running water or means of disposal for human waste. Dromeshauser told Officers the family commuted to a family member’s home once a week to shower the children and wash clothes.
“The conditions in this home were the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Detective Megan Buck, Criminal Investigations Division. “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,” said Detective Buck.
Sarasota Police Officers contacted Department of Children and Families to conduct an investigation. The children were removed from the home. After approximately one hour on scene, Officers located Dean hiding in a closet. She told Officers she was afraid to go to jail.
Dromeshauser and Dean are being held at the Sarasota County Jail.
