Florida Parents Arrested After Boy Found in Deltona Pond

Volusia County deputies went to a retention pond in Deltona on the morning of October 31 after receiving a call about a young child who was by himself. They found the 4-year-old in the water, brought him to safety and learned where he lived.

At the home, deputies found extensive animal waste, roaches and mold, officials said. Animal control officers took custody of a dog that authorities described as caged and neglected.

Authorities arrested the boy’s father, Fermin Medrano-Perez, and mother, Jeneixa Rodriguez-Crespo. The pair face accusations of neglecting the child and mistreating an animal. Their reported ages differed between accounts, so no age is included here.

A grandparent took custody of the child. State child welfare officials were asked to continue monitoring the case.