A man in Florida was taken into custody after allegedly subjecting his three children to deplorable living conditions, despite previous efforts by law enforcement to assist with cleaning up the residence.

Tony Mayner, age 48, faces three counts of child neglect without causing substantial harm, as per the Sarasota Police Department. Initially, in September, officers were drawn to the home when they observed disarray through the windows, sparking concerns for the welfare of the children, aged 10, 11, and 14.

Upon entering, officers discovered the house overwhelmed with empty beer cans, garbage, and “various types of drugs.” An empty above-ground pool was inexplicably situated in the living room. The home was devoid of furniture, the refrigerator was bare, and the beds were filthy. Mayner reportedly admitted that the children had not attended school for two years.

Law enforcement collaborated with nonprofit organizations to provide the children with food, educational supplies, and furniture. The Department of Children and Families became involved as well.

However, nearly two months later, authorities were informed that the children were still absent from school. On the morning of November 6, a Thursday, officers conducted a welfare check to find Mayner and the children asleep during school hours. The home’s condition remained unchanged.

“When I walked inside, I immediately observed several cockroaches running across the floors and walls of the home,” an officer wrote in the probable cause arrest affidavit. “I observed wood rot in the interior doors/cabinets and a strong odor of mold coming from the inside of the home.”

Trash and old food was strewn throughout the home. Cops also noted there was “barely any edible food inside the fridge” but there was plenty of booze around. Officers also learned that one of the boys was bitten by the family dog on the night before but Mayner allegedly failed to properly treat the wound.

Mayner was taken to jail where he allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine.

“Tony Mayner was given several chances and assistance to help care for [his kids] and it had progressively worsened throughout the investigation,” the affidavit stated. “Tony Mayner’s residence was unsafe to live in due to the cockroaches, flies, unconsumable food, mold smell, uncleanliness, and the necessary essentials to take care of [the children].”