Volusia County authorities describe home as “the worst house in the world,” riddled with roaches, mold, and filth.
A Florida woman is facing child neglect charges after authorities discovered her three children living in what was described as a “house of horror.” Jacqueline Daniel, 43, was arrested Monday following an investigation into the Orange City home she shared with her kids, ages 9, 10, and 15.
The situation came to light when deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, assisting the Department of Children and Families, conducted a welfare check at the West New York Avenue residence. What they found shocked them.
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“The worst house in the world… completely overwhelmed with roaches, lice, black mold, feces, and trash piled high,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, describing the scene to local media. “By the mother’s own admission, she says the house isn’t fit for humans to be living there — it wasn’t even fit for an animal.”
According to the charging affidavit, Daniel reportedly told deputies, “I know I deserve this… I want a chance to get this right.” The mother allegedly admitted to knowing the deplorable conditions were dangerous but allowed them to continue.
The children were found to have lice infestations in their hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with one child requiring hospitalization due to the severity. The affidavit states Daniel “admitted to knowing” her children had lice and weren’t being treated.
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Deputies reported seeing cockroaches falling from the ceiling and crawling on the floors and furniture. A court document states one child was observed with roaches crawling on her as she sat on a couch. The children’s bathroom sink was reportedly clogged with foam and brown water, and black mold was visible in one of the rooms.
Sheriff Chitwood called the home one of the worst he’d ever seen, expressing that the situation could have been far worse had deputies not intervened. The affidavit also notes Daniel was reportedly more concerned about her massage therapy license than her children’s well-being. She also stated she has been having a difficult time financially while caring for her children.
The children were taken to Fish Memorial Hospital for treatment and are now in state custody. Daniel was booked into the Volusia County Jail but was released later the same day after her first court appearance.
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