LYNN HAVEN — Three parents are facing charges of felony child neglect after police said they found 12 people of varied ages and three dogs crammed into a two-bedroom apartment, according to Lynn Haven Police Department records.
Lakeecha Jackson Downing, 43, was most recently arrested Wednesday on a warrant in connection with the incident. Her husband, 46-year-old Robert Downing, and roommate, 26-year-old Aleethea Ruth, were arrested last Friday after LHPD discovered five adults, seven children and three dogs allegedly living together in a littered and reeking two-bedroom Minnesota Avenue apartment, arrest records indicated.
Police reported discovering several piles of feces at about 8:30 p.m. Friday in the home — some fresh, some old and dry. Most was on the floor in the children’s room, LHPD reported.
The odor of urine was so strong throughout the apartment that officers couldn’t remain inside longer than 15 minutes at a time, police said.
Garbage and dirty dishes were piled up, attracting flies and roaches. An open can of baby formula sat on the counter beside a jug of bleach, officers reported. Several other dangerous chemicals were on the floor within the children’s reach, and police reported they also observed one 2-year-old child attempting to eat a bottle of dish soap before they took it away.
The children were placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
Lakeecha Downing was the lease holder and allowed all the other occupants to stay in the apartment, police said. She was charged with two counts of child neglect of her own children, which police said were subjected to an unsafe environment.
Robert Downing faces two counts of child neglect and three counts misdemeanor cruelty to animals for allegedly depriving the animals of sustenance. The dogs lived in the children’s room, LHPD reported, where the majority of feces were discovered. One dog had a loss of skin down its back, possibly from a burn or mange, police said.
Robert Downing posted a bond of $5,000 Tuesday and was ordered to not have contact with the children.
Ruth was charged with two counts of felony child neglect. She posted a $2,000 bond Tuesday.