Florida Mother Arrested for Child Neglect, Animal Abuse During Vegas Vacation

Jessica Copeland, a Florida mother from Palatka, was arrested on charges of child neglect and animal cruelty after leaving her teenage son home alone for several weeks while she vacationed in Las Vegas. Deputies responding to welfare checks initially found nothing amiss, but a subsequent investigation revealed the son had been alone since July 21 and living in squalid conditions with seven severely neglected dogs. The home was described as covered in layers of animal feces, garbage, and debris, with emaciated dogs locked in filthy rooms without food or water. The son indicated that the house had been in disrepair for years due to his mother's refusal to clean, and he relied on others to bring him food during her absence. Law enforcement documented the deplorable state of the residence through bodycam footage and photos showing malnourished dogs and severe filth. Copeland returned from her trip to face the charges and assist with the removal of the animals by authorities.