NewsLocal News

Actions

Three arrested in child neglect investigation in Charlotte County

Posted at 6:02 PM, Feb 28, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-01 16:26:56-05

UPDATE (9:30pm): Charlotte County Sheriff's say a young child is now in state custody after those who should be taking care of her are facing child neglect charges.

Police have arrested, 62-year-old Lawreen Soulia, 35-year-old Jonathan Hamel, and 32-year-old Sarah Fiorelli. All three are charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

Police say what prompted this investigation is Fiorelli stepped out to take a phone call while, Hamel, a friend of Fiorelli, was with the kids in the dinning room.

Fiorelli came back inside to see Hamel with the baby in his arms, bleeding.

Deputies say after further examination at a nearby hospital, there were signs of sexual abuse.

Fox 4 spoke with several neighbors who say they're sickened by what was happening next door to them, but they also said Hamel and Fiorelli were constantly yelling at the children. "I just felt like something wasn’t right, but I didn’t have any proof of anything," said neighbor, Maureen Cook. "How could somebody do that, how could somebody do that to children?"

Fox 4 did speak with Lawreen Soulia, who is out of jail, but she didn’t want to go on camera without an attorney. We reached out to the department of children and family to learn what’s happening with the young girl, but have not heard back.
---------------------------------------
Original Story:

Fox 4 is currently at an active crime scene located along the 200 block of Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. We’re confirming this is related to a child neglect investigation.

Details of the investigation are minimal, but a Charlotte County Sheriff's Office report states based on concerns a major crimes detective and crime scene technician were called to the scene.

The Department of Children and Families also responded.

The suspects, Lawreen Slaine Soulia, Jonathan Lucas Hamel and Sarah Elizabeth Fiorelli are in custody and police are collecting evidence.

Count on us to keep you updated on this case as we receive more information.