News

Actions

Couple squatted in home, child found amid drugs

Posted at 11:05 AM, Apr 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-29 11:08:39-04

A vacant Palm Harbor home that is up for sale was used by a squatting couple and their child, Pinellas County deputies say.

Deputies say they found the child in the home which was used as a drug den.

Amy and Derrick Diestelmeier are now facing charges including child neglect and drug possession.

Deputies were called out to the home on Klosterman Road around  9 a.m. Wednesday.

Inside the home deputies say they found the couple asleep and unaware of the location of their child.

According to deputies, the child was sad and very aware of her helpless position.  Deputies say the child was not provided food, clothing or medical services by her parents.

The child was also not registered for school, deputies noted.

In the couple's car, deputies say they found a drug syringe hidden in the air conditioner.

The couple was arrested.

It is unclear what happened to the child.