Sarasota couple facing child neglect charges were reportedly under the influence of drugs while found drinking beer in a tent, according to SPD.

SARASOTA, Fla. – An anonymous tip has led to the arrest of a couple in Sarasota, charged with child neglect after an investigation revealed alarming conditions involving their 5-year-old child.

What we know:

Authorities, including the Sarasota Police Department and the Florida Department of Children and Families, initiated a welfare check at a residence on 24th Street around 1:30 p.m. on September 5, following an anonymous tip regarding a child in danger.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Crystal Kates, 37, and Torrance Boles, 50, drinking beer under a tent, with no sight of the child. Inside the home, the investigators found the girl alone in a room, secured with a baby gate at the door. Disturbingly, her hair was matted with debris and food, and she was wearing an excessively soiled pull-up diaper.

READ: Tampa’s Robles Park Village to be demolished Monday to make way for $800M dollar redevelopment project

Investigators also discovered dirty twin mattresses and a box spring on the floor, accompanied by a torn and soiled sheet. Notably, there were no blankets, pillows, or clothes in the home, and an empty dresser stood in the middle of the room.

According to officials, both Kates and Boles tested positive for THC, cocaine, and alcohol during a drug screening conducted at their residence.

Initially, Kates claimed the disarray was due to a recent move, but she later confessed that they had inhabited the home for 10 years.

READ: DeSantis signs execution warrant for ‘Deacon of Death’ convicted in Hillsborough murders

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) assessed the situation’s severity and determined that the child should be removed from the home and placed with a relative in Manatee County.

The child was evaluated at the Child Protection Center and deemed to be a victim of medical neglect, with findings aligning with allegations of abuse.

Kates and Boles were arrested on September 11.

Kates was given a bond of $30,000 with stipulations for random drug and alcohol testing, no contact with the victim, and no contact with Boles. Boles’ bond was set at $40,000, also requiring bi-weekly drug and alcohol tests and prohibiting contact with the child and other minors.

READ: Tampa couple brews up viral success with giant coffee cup café

What’s next:

The Sarasota Police Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Children and Families, continues to investigate the case.

What you can do:

Individuals with any information regarding this case are encouraged to contact Detective Angela Cox at 941-263-6075.

Key Information

• Incident Date: September 5
• Arrest Date: September 11
• Suspects: Crystal Kates (37), Torrance Boles (50)
• Child’s Age: 5 years old
• Location: 24th Street, Sarasota, FL
• Charges: Child neglect
• Bond: Kates – $30,000; Boles – $40,000
• Contact for Tips: Detective Angela Cox at 941-263-6075