FELLSMERE — The death of an infant earlier this month at the same home where authorities found drugs Thursday is now under investigation, according to the Department of Children and Families.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Fellsmere Police, and the Department of Children and Families are investigating the case.
The infant died more than a week ago after authorities were called out and attempts of CPR failed.
Two young children who were in the home at the time Meagan Cruce’s arrest Thursday are now with relatives, according to Paige Patterson-Hughes, spokeswoman for DCF.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.
This article will be updated when more information becomes available.
FELLSMERE — Fellsmere Police and the Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (M.A.C.E.) Unit arrested one person during an investigation into drug activity, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities executed a search warrant at 90 N. Hickory Street in Fellsmere, Thursday afternoon, according to the arrest report.
Meagan Cruce, 24, of Fellsmere was arrested and faces charges including possession of cocaine, possession of less than twenty grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of cruelty to animals, and one count of confinement of animals without sufficient food or water.
Detectives also located three grams of marijuana, cocaine residue, a digital scale, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, and a Colt .38 revolver that detectives believe may have been used in a Fellsmere homicide several years ago.
“When we entered the residence, we immediately knew that the conditions would result in further charges,” said M.A.C.E. Detective Sergeant Anthony Civita.
Detectives located 10 dogs and determined that four of them did not have water or adequate shelter. Sgt. Civita further stated, “The home was infested with fleas, cockroaches, and flies. Numerous outlet and wall sockets had live electrical wires exposed.”
Two small children reside at the home and investigators with the Florida Department of Children and Family Services (DCF) were called to the scene.
When detectives entered the home, they discovered deplorable conditions that ultimately resulted in the home being condemned by county code enforcement, according to the press release.
Today, detectives and FPD continue their investigation in conjunction with DCF. Additional arrests and charges are being considered at this time. The recovered weapon will be sent to the Indian River County Crime Laboratory for forensic evaluation.
“We have listened to our residents’ complaints and partnered with the M.A.C.E. Unit to shut down this problem house,” said Fellsmere Police Department Chief Keith Touchberry. “This partnership will continue until we have addressed all of the drug complaints in our area.”
