A Florida couple is facing multiple child neglect charges after authorities say they left five children dangerously malnourished, even though their kitchen was reportedly full of food.
Anthony Jones, 37, and Erica Bryant, 33, were arrested Saturday and each charged with five counts of child neglect, according to court records. The case began after one child was taken to a children’s hospital on a doctor’s recommendation, prompting child welfare officials to get involved.
When officers went to the family’s apartment, they reportedly found four more children who appeared extremely thin, withdrawn, and reluctant to speak. One child weighed just 44 pounds and had unexplained bruising and marks on his body. The other three children weighed between 61 and 75 pounds, with injuries including bruised ribs and wounds on their ears and wrist, officials said.
A hospital nurse told investigators one child said he had not eaten all day and claimed he’d been told to lie to child welfare workers. The same child reportedly gave conflicting explanations for a scar on his arm, eventually alleging Bryant had tried to cut him.
Doctors confirmed all four children were underweight and malnourished. Jones reportedly admitted the kids hadn’t been fed that day, telling officers he was waiting until after the welfare check to avoid having someone in the home during mealtime. He also said groceries were last bought in early July.
Investigators noted the kitchen actually contained deli meat, bread, and frozen food, contradicting Jones’ account. The apartment floor also appeared freshly mopped when officers arrived.
Bryant told police Jones had handled cooking for years and that children were only allowed snacks after dinner.
Both suspects remain jailed on $125,000 bond and are due back in court August 11.