Couple Taken Into Custody for Neglecting Their 5-Year-Old Daughter in Sarasota, Authorities Report

Key Information

• Location: Sarasota County, Florida
• Incident Date: September 5
• Parents: Crystal Kates (37) and Torrance Boles (50)
• Charges: Child neglect without great bodily harm
• Child’s Age: 5 years old
• Substances Detected: THC, cocaine, and alcohol
• Bonds: Kates – $30,000; Boles – $40,000
• Contact for Information: Det. Angela Cox at 941-263-6075

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Two Sarasota parents are facing charges of child neglect following an anonymous tip to police regarding their child’s wellbeing.

According to authorities, on September 5 at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers alongside the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) conducted a welfare check at a residence on 24th Street to investigate the safety of a five-year-old girl. Upon arrival, they discovered Crystal Kates, 37, and Torrance Boles, 50, under a tent, consuming beer without the presence of their child.

Inside the home, investigators located the young girl alone in a room, barricaded by a baby gate at the door. They noted that her hair was matted with food and debris, and she was in a “heavily soiled” diaper. Disturbingly, she was unable to communicate.

The conditions of the home were equally alarming, revealing dirty twin mattresses and a box spring on the floor, along with a partially torn and dirty sheet. There were no clothes present in the closet or dresser, nor were there any blankets or pillows. Both Kates and Boles tested positive for THC, cocaine, and alcohol during the police investigation.

Following the evaluation of the child’s conditions, DCF determined that they were severe enough to necessitate her removal from the home. She was subsequently placed with a family member in Manatee County and assessed at the Child Protection Center, where staff confirmed that she was a victim of medical neglect and abuse.

On September 11, law enforcement arrested Kates and Boles, charging each with one count of child neglect without great bodily harm. They are currently being held at Sarasota County Jail.

The next day, a judge set Kates’ bond at $30,000 and mandated random drug and alcohol testing, alongside a prohibition on contact with both the victim and Boles. Boles’ bond was set higher at $40,000, with similar conditions requiring him to undergo drug and alcohol testing bi-weekly as well as forbidding contact with the victim or any other minors.

Authorities continue to investigate the situation and request that anyone with additional information reach out to Det. Angela Cox at 941-263-6075.