5-year-old found in severe home conditions while parents drink beer outside

Sarasota parents are facing child neglect charges after police received an anonymous tip that a 5-year-old was in danger.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers and the Florida Department of Children and Families responded to a home on 24th Street around 1:30 p.m., for a welfare check on a 5-year-old.

When officers and child protection investigators arrived, they found Crystal Kates, 37, and Torrance Boles, 50, under a tent, drinking beer, and the child was not with them.

SPD said inside the home, they found the child alone in a room with a baby gate blocking the bedroom door.

The child’s hair was matted with debris and food, she was wearing a soiled pull-up diaper that was close to tearing off due to the weight, and was unable to speak, officers said.

While inside the home, investigators reported finding a dirty twin mattress and a box spring on the floor with a partially torn, dirty sheet.