A shocking case of child neglect has led to the arrest of 48-year-old Tony Mayner in Sarasota, Florida, after his three sons, aged 10, 11, and 14, were found living in “horrid” conditions.
Mayner is facing three charges of child neglect without great bodily harm. The situation is particularly concerning as the arrest came two months after police and community partners provided extensive assistance to help Mayner clean the home and re-enroll the children in school.
The initial intervention took place in September 2025, when Sarasota Police officers from the Homeless Outreach Team stopped at the residence in the 1700 block of 23rd Street. Officers grew concerned after observing the home was in extreme disarray through the windows.
Once inside, they found a house filled with empty beer cans, trash, various types of bugs, and even an empty “above-ground” swimming pool in the living room, alongside an odor of gasoline.
Officers noted a complete lack of furniture, dirty beds, and refrigerators without any substantial food. Mayner allegedly confessed that his children had not been officially enrolled in school for two years.
Following the initial check, a coordinated effort was launched by police and community groups, including the Sarasota Housing Authority, various police divisions, a food bank, and the local school board.
They provided the family with essential supplies, clothing, food, and furniture. Officers worked to have the children re-enrolled in school. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) was also contacted and launched a formal report on the family’s welfare.
Despite the significant aid, police returned for a welfare check on November 6 after receiving complaints that the boys were not attending school.
They found Mayner and the three children asleep during school hours. Upon entering the home, officers discovered that the conditions had not improved—they may have worsened. An officer’s affidavit described immediate observations of cockroaches running across the floors and walls, the smell of mold, and signs of wood rot. Trash was still strewn everywhere, and officers noted there were more alcoholic beverages than edible food in the refrigerators.
Mayner admitted that one of his sons had been bitten by the family dog the night before, but he had failed to seek medical attention for the child.
The affidavit stated that Mayner was given “several chances and assistance” but the situation “had progressively worsened.” Mayner was arrested and later tested positive for methamphetamines during his interview with DCF agents.
The children were released to a family member, while Mayner was transported to the Sarasota County Jail and bonded out the following day. Florida law requires any individual who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).
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