Fla. woman arrested for neglect after 2 boys found in home full of waste and infested with bugs

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. (TCD) -- A 66-year-old woman was arrested after authorities reportedly found two boys under the age of 16 living in "deplorable" conditions.

According to a news release from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, June 1, deputies were called to assist the Department of Children and Families in investigating a child neglect case.

Deputies responded to Bettina Miller's home and "observed deplorable conditions, including learning that the home's plumbing had been broken for several weeks, rendering the toilets unusable," the Sheriff's Office says. Everyone in the home allegedly had to use buckets as makeshift toilets and a water hose to shower.

Upon further search of the home, the Sheriff's Office says it was covered in animal and human waste, as well as bugs. The kitchen was reportedly littered with spoiled food and insects, and trash and clothes covered the floor of every bedroom. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office says they were met with several barking dogs and puppies, including some that were kept in cages and others that were loose.

Miller's bedroom reportedly had a chain and padlock, which Miller said was to keep the boys out of her room and not to lock them inside.

According to the Sheriff's Office, "Deputies learned the boys have not attended school in months or seen a doctor in years."

Miller was reportedly arrested and charged with child neglect and abuse. She remains held in the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail.

The boys were reportedly taken into custody by the Department of Children and Families until they can place them with other family members. The Sheriff's Office says Volusia County Animal Control has been notified about the dogs in Miller's home.

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