Hershey, Pennsylvania — A disturbing child neglect investigation out of Florida has led to the arrest of a couple accused of failing to provide adequate food and care to five children, despite investigators finding a kitchen reportedly stocked with nutritious groceries. Authorities say the case came to light after one child was taken to a hospital, where doctors discovered alarming signs of severe malnutrition that prompted an immediate child welfare investigation.
Florida Couple Arrested Following Hospital Investigation
According to authorities, Anthony Jones, 37, and Erica A. Bryant, 33, were arrested on Saturday and each charged with five counts of child neglect without great bodily harm. Court records indicate the charges stem from medical evaluations performed at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where doctors determined all five children were significantly underweight for their ages.
The investigation reportedly began on July 18 after one child was taken to the hospital following a recommendation from a primary care physician. Hospital staff contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) after becoming concerned about the child’s condition, leading law enforcement officers to respond to the family’s Jacksonville apartment.
Officers Found Four More Children Showing Signs of Malnutrition
When deputies entered the residence, they found four additional children who also appeared extremely thin and in need of immediate medical attention.
According to the arrest affidavit, officers described the children as “extremely thin in stature” and said they appeared hesitant to speak with adults. One child reportedly looked “extremely malnourished” with visible bony features.
All four children were transported to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where physicians documented severe weight deficiencies along with multiple unexplained injuries, including bruises, scars, abrasions, and open wounds.
One child reportedly weighed only 44 pounds, while others weighed 75 pounds, 61 pounds, and 63 pounds, with doctors concluding that all were underweight for their respective ages.
Child Allegedly Said They Were Told to Lie
Investigators say one of the children made troubling statements while being treated in the emergency room.
According to police, the child reportedly said they had not eaten at all that day and claimed they had been instructed to “lie to the DCF investigator.” The same child initially gave one explanation for a scar before later alleging that Bryant had attempted to cut the child’s arm, according to investigators.
Doctors treating the children reportedly concluded that at least one child was severely malnourished due to inadequate nutrition, although additional medical testing remained ongoing.
Police Say Home Contained Plenty of Food
During questioning, investigators said Jones admitted the children had not been fed that day. According to the affidavit, he claimed the children woke up around 1 p.m. and that he intentionally waited to prepare food because he did not want DCF personnel arriving while the family was eating.
However, officers reported finding a kitchen stocked with deli meat, bread, frozen foods, and other nutritious items, raising further questions about why the children allegedly had not been properly fed.
Investigators also noted the apartment floor appeared freshly cleaned, with a wet, slippery surface and a mop positioned near the kitchen entrance.
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Bryant reportedly told investigators that Jones had handled cooking duties for approximately three years. She also stated the children could only have snacks after dinner and that although they were asked if they were hungry, she would not force them to eat, according to the affidavit.
Couple Remains in Jail as Criminal Case Moves Forward
Based on medical evaluations, officers’ observations, and DCF’s investigation, detectives concluded there was probable cause to charge both adults with failing to provide food, nutrition, medicine, and medical care considered essential for the children’s well-being.
Jones and Bryant remain held in the Duval County Jail on $125,000 bond each. Court records show they are scheduled to appear for arraignment on Aug. 11.
The allegations remain accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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