Florida mother arrested after abandoning teen, 7 dogs for Las Vegas birthday trip

A Florida mother’s two-week birthday celebration in Las Vegas ended with her arrest Tuesday morning after authorities discovered she had left her teenage son and seven dogs in deplorable conditions without adequate food or care.

The discovery

Jessica Copeland, 37, of Palatka, Florida, was taken into custody at her home after Putnam County deputies found her teenage son had been left alone since July 21 while she vacationed in Las Vegas. The case came to light when concerned family members requested welfare checks on the teenager.

Deputies initially responded Monday after an out-of-state relative called for a welfare check. An adult at the scene told officers he was “cleaning” before Copeland returned, and the teenager initially told deputies everything was fine, leading them to leave without entering the home.

However, hours later, another family member from Marion County contacted authorities with video evidence of animal neglect inside the residence, prompting deputies to return for a more thorough investigation.

Shocking living conditions

When deputies entered the home on Tuesday, they discovered what Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach described as “deplorable” and “vile” conditions. The residence was covered in animal feces, with garbage and debris scattered throughout.

The teenager told investigators that the home had been in this condition “for years” because his mother refused to clean. He revealed he had been relying on different people to check on him and bring food during his mother’s absence.

“The depravity of this situation is both heartbreaking and infuriating,” Sheriff DeLoach stated. “A mother made the conscious choice to abandon her own child in a filth-ridden home, surrounded by the stench of animal feces and suffering of neglected animals while she indulged on a two-week birthday trip to Las Vegas.”

Seven dogs found in severe neglect

Deputies discovered seven dogs in various stages of neglect throughout the home:

• Two dogs were locked in a bedroom covered in approximately 4 inches of feces with no food or water
• A severely emaciated dog was confined to a cage without food or water
• Four additional dogs were found in the living room surrounded by feces

While some water bowls were present in the living room, they were filled with insects and unsuitable for consumption. Several dogs were described as “extremely emaciated” with overgrown nails extending three inches beyond normal length.

Las Vegas vacation ends in jail

Copeland returned from her Las Vegas vacation in the early morning hours Tuesday while deputies were still at the scene assisting animal control with removing the dogs. Body camera footage showed she offered no resistance when informed of her arrest.

“She is now on extended vacation at the Putnam County Jail,” the sheriff’s office noted in their statement.

Criminal charges filed

Copeland faces multiple charges including:

• One count of child neglect without bodily harm
• Three counts of felony animal neglect
• Four counts of misdemeanor animal neglect

She is being held on a $36,500 bond at the Putnam County Jail.

Aftermath and community response

The teenager has been placed with family members by the Department of Children and Families. All seven dogs were voluntarily surrendered to Putnam County Animal Services, where they will receive veterinary care, grooming, and rehabilitation before being made available for adoption.

Local mothers expressed outrage at the situation. “She didn’t think about her children, her animals, she just wasn’t thinking or had any feelings towards what she should be doing,” Phyllis White, a Putnam County resident, told local media.

Christina DeFord Quiles added, “The irresponsibility in that is just inexcusable.”

Sheriff’s strong message

Sheriff DeLoach emphasized that the community would not tolerate such behavior: “This wasn’t neglect. This was deliberate cruelty, both to her child and to the animals she left behind. Let me be clear, our community will not tolerate this level of selfish disregard for human and animal life. She now has time for reflection.”

Anyone interested in adopting the rescued dogs once they are rehabilitated can contact Putnam County Animal Services at julianne.young@putnam-fl.gov.

Image Sources: https://www.actionnews5.com/2025/08/12/mother-accused-leaving-son-7-dogs-feces-covered-home-while-she-went-las-vegas/

Category: Breaking News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 08/12/2025