Child Tells Neighbor He's Hungry, Father Charged With Child Neglect

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, FL -- Deputies say they have arrested a man for neglecting his two children.

Jarred James McKie, 24, from Geneva Court in northwest St. Johns County, was arrested Monday.

According to the police report, a woman who lives on Geneva Court answered her door and found a three-year-old boy on her doorstep.

The woman, who has not been identified, said the boy told her he was hungry. She thought he may be the child of her new neighbors across the street.

The police report said she went to her new neighbors' house at 740 Geneva Court and found the front door open. She described the house as "unlivable." She said she yelled several times for someone to come to the door but no one came.

She then went back to her house and called police. The woman said the child told her he did not want to go back home.

When a deputy arrived, he said he also found the front door of 740 Geneva Court open and described the house as very hot because the air conditioner was not working.

The deputy said he rang the door bell numerous times and yelled, "Sheriff's Office;" however, no one came to the door.

The deputy said he noticed furniture and items strewn about the house.

When other deputies arrived, they said they found McKie on a bed inside the house. One deputy said, "It took several yells and a shake to get McKie to respond. There were several drug-using paraphernalia laying in plain sight."

The deputy also found a one-year-old playing in a crib next to McKie.

According to the report, two fans were running. One of them had a torn back cover, exposing the blades "for possible injury." The report said an bottle of alcohol was also within reach of the child. Additionally, the deputy said there was an in-ground pool that did not have water in it and was "unsecured from the children."

In the police report, McKie told the deputy he had a drug problem.

A judge set McKie's bail at $1,000.

According to the police report, a DCF agent responded to the home, and the children were released to their grandmother.

First Coast News attempted to contact McKie. However, no one was at the residence.

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