PALM COAST, Fla. – A Palm Coast couple has been arrested on child neglect and elderly neglect charges after a welfare check revealed severe cockroach infestation, widespread filth, and hazardous living conditions inside a home in the city’s W-Section, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began Tuesday, January 13, when a member of Flagler County Fire Rescue requested a welfare check while assisting an elderly man at the residence. Fire personnel reported bedding heavily soiled with feces and urine, live cockroaches, roach droppings, and garbage scattered throughout the home.
Deputies responded and, after completing the welfare check, contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families. Based on what deputies observed, detectives from the sheriff’s office Major Case Unit immediately assumed control of the investigation.
Inside the residence, detectives noted a strong odor of urine, spoiled food, feces, and extensive insect activity. While speaking with Tashaye Brown, 31, detectives observed an infant inside a Pack ‘n Play that was actively infested with cockroaches. Brown told investigators she was aware of the infestation but said professional extermination was too expensive. She admitted she would flip the Pack ‘n Play upside down to shake insects out, place the infant back inside, and spray insecticide in a circle around it.
Detectives also observed black spots consistent with roach droppings along open electrical outlets, walls, and ceilings, as well as mold around HVAC vents.
During the investigation, detectives interviewed an elderly man living in the home who had recently returned from the hospital. He told deputies he no longer received in-home medical assistance and did not know who was supposed to care for him. The man was unable to walk, feed or change himself, or take medication without help. Detectives observed scabs on his legs and insects emerging from his socks.
Brown told detectives she and her fiancé, Nikolas Cummings, 32, moved into the home about two years ago to care for the elderly man after her cousin was no longer able to do so. Cummings confirmed to investigators that he and Brown were the elderly man’s sole caregivers.
Detectives determined that the elderly victim’s son was not physically or mentally capable of providing care and that Brown and Cummings were the only responsible parties for both the elderly man and the infant. Investigators concluded the couple showed willful disregard for the care and safety of both victims.
“The deplorable conditions of that house were no place for a toddler or a senior with serious medical issues,” said Rick Staly. “This was not a matter of money. They did not care about the hygiene of their home, the welfare of their child, or the medical needs of their family members. They put in zero effort.”
The elderly victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and the infant was placed with family members. In addition to the criminal case, the Florida Department of Children and Families is conducting a separate investigation into the welfare of both victims.
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