Miller arrested after leaving kids alone

Irene Miller, 50, was placed in handcuffs by Osceola County deputies as she exited her plane in Florida on Friday morning. The arrest concluded a two-day search for the mother of four who had traveled to Las Vegas for work.

Deputies responded to the family’s home in Kissimmee shortly after 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. They found children aged 9, 11, 12, and 14 without any adults present. The youngest boy had suffered a head injury from a falling dumbbell, prompting a 911 call from his older sibling. Fire rescue crews transported the 9-year-old to Celebration Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Miller had left Florida on Oct. 18 and told deputies she intended to return on Oct. 23. She stated she had arranged for a babysitter from Tampa to help the children with morning routines and check on them later in the day. However, the arrangement did not require the sitter to stay overnight, according to the sheriff’s office.

While detectives prepared to meet Miller at the airport, the children’s father agreed to take the four kids to his residence. Miller was subsequently booked into the Orange County Jail on four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm.

Sheriff Chris Blackmon said the office would not tolerate neglect in such cases. He added that authorities would investigate and charge parents who fail to properly supervise their children.