KEY LARGO, FL – A Delray Beach couple was arrested on felony child neglect charges on Saturday, July 4, after hotel staff discovered two young children left completely unattended in a Key Largo resort room.
Discovered by Hotel Staff
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to the Reefhouse Resort & Marina at approximately 1:45 p.m. Hotel employees reported entering the room after receiving complaints of a persistent, unattended baby crying.
Upon entry, staff discovered two young children alone in nursery beds and cribs. Resort employees eventually located the parents at the resort pool, where they were reportedly drinking alcoholic beverages to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Left Alone for Up to an Hour
Following a review of hotel security footage and witness statements, MCSO investigators allege that the children were left completely unsupervised for approximately 40 minutes to an hour.
Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the children did not sustain any injuries during the time they were left alone. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) was immediately notified, and the children were temporarily placed in the custody of a family friend.
Facing Felony Charges
The parents, identified as Brian Nicholas Cannella (43) and Allison Sirica Cannella (40), were arrested at the scene. Both have been booked on two felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm.
Online jail records indicate that both individuals are scheduled to make their first court appearance on September 1.
