On January 6, 2010, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested two Columbia County parents for child neglect and false imprisonment.
Deputy Sheriff Will Porter responded to 801 S.W. Alfalfa Avenue, Lake City, FL, to assist the Florida Department of Children and Families with an investigation that they were conducting.
Deputy Porter was shown a bedroom by one of the young children in the home. Deputy Porter observed that the bedroom door had a latch on the outside, making it lockable from the outside. The carpet of the room was stained and wet with urine. Deputy Porter observed several holes in the walls and there was no light source in the room. The children told investigators that they are locked in the bedroom for several hours during the day and night and are not allowed out to even use the restroom.
Deputy Porter conducted interviews with both parents. Both parents stated to Deputy Porter that they do lock the children in the room on occasion because the children wander around the house.
In total, four children were removed from the home by DCF investigators. The ages of the children ranged from age 1 to age 5.
Harry and Amanda Leblanc were arrested at the home without incident and booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility. Both parents have been released on bond.
The Florida Department of Children and Families will find appropriate housing for the children and their investigation continues.
Arrested
Harry E.LeBlanc, 5/17/1982
801 S.W. Alfalfa Avenue, Lake City, FL
Amanda J. Leblanc, 7/29/1982
801 S.W. Alfalfa Avenue, Lake City, FL
