A 58-year-old Palm Coast mother remains in custody without bond today after authorities say she abandoned her three children at a local hospital and left them to fend for themselves.
Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Sandra Teague on three counts of child neglect following an investigation that revealed a residence described by officials as “disgusting” and filled with dozens of animals.
The incident began on April 30 when a 17-year-old boy walked into the AdventHealth Palm Coast emergency room. Hospital staff alerted deputies after the teenager, who was wearing socks but no shoes, explained that his mother had dropped him off because she was angry. He informed staff that his two younger siblings, ages 13 and 14, had also been deserted.
According to statements from the children, the situation escalated that morning after one of the family’s foster dogs died. The siblings claimed Teague blamed them for the animal’s death, telling them, “…this is the last straw,” before driving them to the hospital, ordering them out of the vehicle, and speeding away.
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While the children told investigators this was the first time they had been dropped off at a public facility, they described a pattern of being locked out of their home “every other day” as punishment, occasionally being forced to sleep outside.
When deputies arrived at Teague’s home to investigate, they reported a pervasive stench of garbage and animal waste. The conditions inside were dire, with feces discovered on both the floors and the walls. The Florida Department of Children and Families was immediately called to the scene.
A subsequent search of the property by detectives and Palm Coast Animal Control uncovered a massive hoarding situation. Rescuers removed 44 live dogs, three pigs, a cat, and a snake from the home. Investigators also found several deceased animals left in kennels on the property.
“Based on this investigation, she will never receive a mother of the year award,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement following the arrest. “No child should ever have to live in these disgusting conditions or be treated like this. Not only does she not treat or care for her children properly, but she should never own or be a foster provider for helpless animals ever again.”
Teague was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. While she currently faces three felony neglect charges, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the case remains active and additional charges are expected as the investigation into the animal deaths continues.
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