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Key Information:
- Location: Sarasota, Florida
- Incident Date: September 5
- Suspects: Crystal Kates, 37, Torrance Boles, 50
- Charges: Child neglect
- Child’s Condition: Found alone, in poor hygiene, and evidence of medical neglect
- Bonds: Kates – $30,000; Boles – $40,000
- Custody Status: Both in Sarasota County Jail
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sarasota parents are facing child neglect charges after police received an anonymous tip that a 5-year-old was in danger.
According to the Sarasota Police Department, officers and the Florida Department of Children and Families responded to a home on 24th Street on Sept. 5, around 1:30 p.m., for a welfare check on a 5-year-old.
When officers and child protection investigators arrived, they found Crystal Kates and Torrance Boles under a tent, drinking beer, with the child absent.
SPD reported finding the child alone in a room, with a baby gate blocking the bedroom door.
She exhibited poor hygiene, with hair matted with debris and food, and was wearing a soiled pull-up diaper that was almost tearing off due to its weight. Officers noted that the child appeared unable to speak.
While investigating the home, responders discovered a dirty twin mattress and a box spring on the floor, covered with a partially torn, dirty sheet.
Furniture was found scattered, including an empty dresser in the middle of the floor and a closet devoid of clothes. Kates initially claimed they had just moved in, but later admitted to residing there for ten years.
Officers administered drug tests to Kates and Boles, revealing positive results for THC, cocaine, and alcohol.
DCF assessed the conditions of both the home and the child as severe, deciding to remove the child and place her with a family member.
After an evaluation at the Child Protection Center, investigators concluded the child was a victim of medical neglect, and the evidence corroborated allegations of abuse.
On September 11, Kates and Boles were arrested. The following day, Kates’ bond was set at $30,000 with conditions including random drug testing and no contact with the victim. Boles faced a bond of $40,000 and similar restrictions, with additional requirements for drug testing twice a week.
Both remain in custody at the Sarasota County Jail.
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Article original publish date: 2025-09-15 14:43:00
Article source: www.wfla.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.wfla.com
