A Florida couple is facing child neglect charges after allegedly abandoning their young children in a hotel room while they imbibed alcoholic beverages at the pool on Independence Day, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, and Allison Sirica Cannella, 40, were both charged with child neglect following an incident at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo, authorities said. The couple allegedly left their children—described only as "young" and found in "nursery beds/cribs"—unattended for up to an hour while they partied on July 4.
Background
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office received a report around 1:45 p.m. on Independence Day regarding an unattended baby crying at the resort. Hotel employees had to enter a room due to the infant's distress, according to authorities. Upon gaining access, staff discovered two young children alone in the room with no adult supervision present.
Using surveillance video and witness statements, deputies pieced together that the Cannellas had departed the room approximately 40 minutes to an hour before authorities arrived. The investigation revealed the couple was located at the hotel's pool area consuming alcoholic beverages while their children remained unattended in their nursery beds and crib.
The Investigation
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office responded to the resort and conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and collecting witness statements from hotel staff who had encountered the crying infant. Detectives determined the timeline of the children's abandonment through these investigative methods, establishing that the couple had been absent from their room for an extended period while their young children remained inside.
Deputies notified the Florida Department of Children and Families following the discovery. Caseworkers responded to the resort and assumed custody of the children before placing them in the care of a family friend. Authorities reported the children were not physically injured but appeared distressed from being left alone.
The Cannellas were arrested at the scene and transported to the Monroe County Jail, where both have since bonded out on bail. A probable cause arrest affidavit detailing the full circumstances of the alleged neglect was not immediately available for review.
Key Takeaways
- Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, and Allison Sirica Cannella, 40, were charged with child neglect in Monroe County, Florida
- The couple allegedly left their young children alone at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo while drinking at the pool on Independence Day
- Authorities determined through surveillance video that the children were unattended for approximately 40 minutes to one hour
- Hotel employees discovered the situation after responding to reports of an unattended baby crying
- Florida Department of Children and Families placed the children with a family friend; they were not physically injured
- Both suspects have bonded out of Monroe County Jail; court dates remain unspecified
What's Next
The Cannellas are expected to face further proceedings in Monroe County Court, though specific arraignment or pretrial hearing dates have not yet been announced. The case remains under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and additional details may emerge as the probable cause affidavit becomes available.
The Florida Department of Children and Families will continue monitoring the situation regarding the welfare of the children involved.