A Florida father is facing serious charges after his toddler was found alone, wandering the streets with a soiled diaper, leading authorities to discover horrifying conditions at his home.
The incident unfolded on Sunday, March 16, when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports about a 2-year-old child walking alone in the middle of the street in Palm Coast.
Witnesses initially saw the child in the yard of a nearby home, prompting them to take the toddler inside to safety. They found the child’s father, 44-year-old Ross Judy, passed out in his bed, allegedly intoxicated.
Concerned for the child’s safety, they contacted law enforcement.
When deputies arrived at Judy’s home, they were met with an appalling scene. Inside and outside the residence, they discovered hazardous living conditions, including piles of garbage, exposed razors, hypodermic needles, and pill bottles within reach of the child.
The home was infested with bugs, with a filthy sink covered in cigarette ash and a toilet with water swarming with insects.
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Authorities also found a malnourished dog in dire condition, with one of its ears nearly rotting off and its fur missing.
“The residence was in deplorable living conditions,” said the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department. “No child should be living in such a place with an adult who clearly doesn’t care about their well-being.”
Sheriff Rick Staly echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude toward community members who helped intervene. “I am thankful to our residents who ‘saw something and said something’ so our deputies could act swiftly,” he stated.
Judy was arrested and charged with child neglect and abandoning an animal in distress. He is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $4,000 bond.
The Florida Department of Children and Families and Palm Coast Animal Control are investigating the case further.
This disturbing case has raised awareness about the importance of reporting suspected child and animal abuse, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected from harm.
