CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Two separate investigations led to the arrest of four individuals on various charges of child neglect and animal cruelty.
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a residence off East Patience Lane in Inverness following a 9-1-1 call referencing a dog attack. Upon arrival, deputies and an animal control officer discovered five puppies and six adult dogs living in deplorable conditions.
It was determined that all of the animals were not current on their vaccinations. Within the RV home, deputies observed the interior to be covered in feces with an abundance of flies and a strong odor of ammonia.
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The two defendants, 52-year-old Steven Oliver and 49-year-old Shannon Oliver, were living outside the RV home in tents along with a minor. There was no access to running water or electricity, and the conditions outside were both unsafe and unsanitary. Officials observed an open area exposed with human feces and bacteria.
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) was called to the scene to observe the living conditions. After determining the defendants could not meet the basic and essential needs of the minor in their care – who was sleeping in a separate tent that contained blankets covered in dog feces and urine, the child was immediately removed from the home.
“No one, human or animal, should be subjected to live in such appalling conditions,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “The disgusting situation seen in both cases was dangerous not only for the children living in the homes but for the animals as well. Animal abuse and child neglect go hand in hand; if someone cannot care for a pet, then chances are they cannot care for a child.
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It is crucial that our citizens report any possible signs of neglect that they may see, because sometimes – like in the Olivers’ case- the juvenile may not have regular access to responsible adults who could have helped.”
Just three days later, on Friday, January 27, 2023, CCSO deputies responded to East Laurel Court in Floral City for a welfare check on an animal.
Immediately, deputies noticed in the middle of the living room, a child sleeping on a torn-up mattress inside a crib. Another small child was walking around the living room with dried fecal matter on the bottom of their feet.
Inside the home, deputies located seven severely malnourished dogs and observed animal urine and feces scattered throughout the house.
Both defendants, 35-year-old Jannet Fairfield and 30-year-old Lexx Lucas, were detained for further investigation.
While being questioned, Fairfield advised officials there were three other juveniles living in the home but that they were at school during this time.
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When deputies asked where the children sleep, Fairfield stated the children do not have beds and instead sleep together on the couch. Based on the findings of the investigation, all animals were seized, and both defendants were placed under arrest.
DCF also responded to the home during this investigation and removed all five.
Steven Oliver was arrested for 11 counts of animal cruelty with each count having a $2,000.00 bond and child neglect with a $2,000.00 bond. Total bond amount $24,000.00.
Shannon Oliver was arrested for 11 counts of animal cruelty with each count having a $2,000.00 bond and child neglect with a $2,000.00 bond. Total bond amount $24,000.00.
Jannet Fairfield was arrested for seven counts of animal cruelty with a $2,000.00 bond for each count and child neglect with a $2,000.00 bond. Total bond amount $16,000.00.
Lexx Lucas was arrested for seven counts of animal cruelty with a $2,000.00 bond for each count and child neglect with a $2,000.00 bond. Total bond amount $16,000.00.
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