PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. Three additional adults have been arrested on child neglect charges after Putnam County Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search warrant at a Florahome residence and discovered what the sheriff described as “a house of horrors.”
The arrests stem from the ongoing investigation into 26-year-old Jodie Cannon, who was arrested last week on charges of child neglect and aggravated child neglect involving her infant child.
On Tuesday, detectives, assisted by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, executed a search warrant at Cannon’s residence in the 170 block of Nettles Road in Florahome. Investigators said the home was occupied by Cannon, her newborn, two other children in her custody, the children’s biological father, Cannon’s mother, her stepfather and another child.
Following Cannon’s arrest, the Florida Department of Children and Families removed the three children in her custody from the home. During Tuesday’s search warrant, DCF also removed the remaining child from the residence.
As a result of the investigation, detectives arrested Melissa Keal, 50, John Keal, 52, and Jordon Wilson, 30, on child neglect charges. Authorities identified Melissa Keal as Cannon’s biological mother and Wilson as the biological father of the children.
Investigators said they initially lacked sufficient evidence to remove Melissa Keal’s adopted child during Cannon’s arrest. The search warrant was obtained to document the home’s environmental conditions and living environment. Putnam County Code Enforcement also responded to inspect the property.
According to detectives, they encountered “deplorable living conditions” throughout the residence.
Investigators reported finding extensive black mold, rotting floors caused by broken water pipes, unsafe ceiling repairs, animal feces throughout the home and large numbers of flies. Detectives said the child slept on a mattress in a living room that was swarming with flies. They also observed ceiling patches showing visible black mold that had been painted over with white paint.
In the bedroom occupied by Wilson, detectives found uneaten food left on dishes along with flies and cockroaches.
Throughout the investigation, detectives consulted with the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Authorities determined the three adults should be charged because they were adult members of the household who allegedly failed to provide the child with the care, supervision and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health.
Investigators said additional child neglect charges involving the other children remain possible for Cannon, Melissa Keal, John Keal and Wilson as the investigation continues.
Melissa Keal and John Keal were booked into the Putnam County Jail and each held on a $3,000 bond. Wilson was booked into the jail on a $2,500 bond. Cannon remains incarcerated on a $30,000 bond.
Authorities also reported that four dogs and three kittens were voluntarily surrendered to Putnam County Animal Services. Officials said the animals will be evaluated before being placed for adoption. Because the animals were voluntarily surrendered, investigators are not pursuing animal neglect charges.
“Words cannot describe the house of horrors these children were living,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said. “Animal feces and urine everywhere, black mold, flies, small children trying to navigate hazardous flooring conditions, and the sad part is they have grown around all of this, not knowing they were dealt the absolute worst conditions I can imagine living in a First World country.”
The sheriff also said he was encouraged by the progress of Cannon’s infant.
“We are happy to report the baby at the start of this case is thriving, happy and gaining weight,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities are not releasing the ages or genders of the children to protect their identities.
The investigation remains ongoing.