Deputies Arrest Florida Mother at Airport After Leaving Four Kids Alone

Irene Miller was placed in handcuffs at the airport on Friday morning after deputies said she left her four children home alone in Kissimmee. The 50-year-old mother was booked into the Orange County Jail on four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm.

Osceola County deputies arrived at the family home shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 following a 911 call. One of the children reported that a dumbbell had fallen on her nine-year-old brother's head. Officers found the children, aged 9, 11, 12, and 14, with no adults present. Fire rescue crews transported the injured boy to Celebration Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Miller had left Florida on Oct. 18 for a work assignment in Las Vegas. She told a deputy by phone that she planned to return on Oct. 23. She explained that she had hired a babysitter from Tampa to help the children prepare for school in the mornings and check on them later in the day. The sheriff's office noted that the sitter was not required to stay overnight.

Authorities contacted the children's father, who agreed to take the kids to his home. Detectives then coordinated with Miller to meet her when her flight landed. Body camera footage showed officers approaching Miller as she exited the plane and escorting her through the terminal.

Sheriff Chris Blackmon said the department would not tolerate child neglect. He stated that these cases would be investigated and charges would be brought against parents who are not properly supervising or caring for their children.