A Florida couple’s Fourth of July celebration ended in handcuffs after they allegedly abandoned their young children alone in a hotel room while they spent nearly an hour drinking at the pool, authorities say.
Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, and Allison Sirica Cannella, 40, were arrested and charged with child neglect following the incident at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo, Florida — on the same day the nation celebrated America’s 250th birthday.
What Happened
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the resort around 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, after hotel staff reported hearing an unattended baby crying inside one of the rooms. Employees entered the room and found two young children alone — both in nursery beds and cribs — with no adult present.
Staff immediately searched the property and eventually located the Cannellas at the pool, drinking alcoholic beverages.
Using surveillance footage, witness statements, and other investigative techniques, deputies determined the couple had left their children alone for between 40 minutes and one hour.
Children Placed in Care
Deputies contacted the Department of Children and Family Services, who responded to the hotel. The children were placed in the care of a family friend. Authorities confirmed the children were not physically injured, though they had been in clear distress from being left alone.
Arrests Made
Both Brian and Allison Cannella were taken into custody and transported to the Monroe County Jail. The couple has since bonded out. No court date has been publicly confirmed at this time.
Child neglect is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to five years in prison.
A Reminder for Parents
Florida law is clear — leaving young children unsupervised, even briefly, can result in criminal charges. The state defines child neglect as failing to provide supervision necessary to maintain a child’s physical and mental health.
Anyone with information about child welfare concerns in Monroe County can contact the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
