Florida couple charged with child neglect in 'deplorable' house

DELAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Deputies with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office say an investigator for the Florida Department of Children and Families showed up to check on three kids at a house, and when he did, he immediately  realized it was a mess.

Pictures released by authorities document what they call deplorable conditions at the home in DeLand, Florida. Garbage is everywhere in the house, including the bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen and even outside, where the dog stays.  Deputies say a DCF investigator called 911 to report the conditions.

"Basically, the house is mess and I just want a police officer to come here," he told the operator.

Deputies say the children, ages 3, 4 and 6, were using a blanket with a foul stench.  They also described a foul odor of feces and urine.  Flies and rotten food covered the kitchen counters, and dangerous tools were scattered around the property, putting the children at risk, they say.

Investigators arrested the children's parents, Ronald and Julie Lyles, charging them with child neglect.  The couple was arrested a year ago on similar charges.

Trey Rivera says the children are staying with a family member..

"Other than the house being like that they're fine, that I  know of," says Trey Rivera, a relative. "Not a hundred percent sure."

Rivera was called to help take care of the family pets and blames the six dogs for the mess in the kitchen.

The couple told deputies they agreed the house was in deplorable conditions, but they said they were busy working and exhausted.  

"Maybe this time is a wake up call," River adds.

Deputies say there have been three DCF cases brought against the couple in the last  four years.