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A Volusia County mother is behind bars after authorities uncovered what Sheriff Mike Chitwood described as one of the most disturbing cases of child neglect in his nearly four-decade career. Jacqueline Daniel, 43, was arrested at her home on West New York Avenue in Orange City after deputies responded to a welfare check requested by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). What they found inside has left the community shaken.
The home was described as a “house of horror,” overwhelmed by filth, decay, and dangerous living conditions. Investigators reported black mold coating the walls, trash piled high in nearly every room, and feces scattered across the floors. Cockroaches were crawling on food, furniture, and even the children’s bedding. The air was thick with the stench of rot and neglect.
One of Daniel’s children, a 10-year-old girl, was rushed to the hospital after deputies discovered she was suffering from a severe lice infestation. Medical staff at Fish Memorial Hospital were forced to shave the child’s head to treat scabs and lice embedded in her scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. According to the arrest report, Daniel admitted she was aware that her other two children—ages 9 and 15—were also infested but had not sought treatment.
Sheriff Chitwood, visibly disturbed by the scene, said, “You could imagine the worst house in the world and put it on steroids. It was completely overwhelmed with roaches, lice, black mold, feces, and trash. It’s not fit for animals, let alone children.”
In bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s office, Daniel appeared remorseful, telling deputies, “I know I deserve this … I want a chance to get this right.” However, investigators noted that she expressed more concern about losing her massage therapy license than the well-being of her children.
The children’s bedroom was described as a locked, cluttered space with dirty sheets and a clogged sink filled with brown water and foam. Deputies said the children had not been attending school regularly, which ultimately triggered the welfare check that led to the discovery.
Daniel now faces three counts of felony child abuse. She was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail and later released following her first court appearance. Her children have been placed in protective custody under the care of the state.
The case has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for stronger intervention protocols and community awareness. Advocates are urging residents to report signs of neglect and to support local organizations that provide resources for struggling families.
“This isn’t just about one mother—it’s about a system that needs to catch these cases before they spiral into tragedy,” said a spokesperson for DCF. “We’re grateful someone spoke up, but we need to make sure no child lives in conditions like this ever again.”
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