SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Pace Woman Arrested for Felony Child Neglect

A Pace woman has been arrested for felony neglect of a child resulting in great bodily harm. On March 12, 2008 , Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office investigators were contacted by the Department of Children and Families in reference to a four year old child being admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Sacred Heart Hospital . The four year old victim, who is not being identified, had a body temperature of 91.1 degrees and was dehydrated. The victim was also supposed to be on medications for seizures, but no traces of the medication could be found in his system. The four year old also suffered from bed sores. The child does suffer from serious pre-existing medical conditions, however medical personnel believe that neglect was a key factor in the child's condition upon admittance to the hospital. When the victim was brought to the hospital, he weighed only 10 pounds. Doctors were able to substantiate that the victim has lost six pounds over the past two years, despite the fact that the child has a feeding tube and is able to take oral feedings. Doctors concluded that the victim suffered from utter neglect of calories and skin care at home. Due to this, the care giver (Erin Brittany Markes, W/F, 19 years old) was arrested this afternoon by investigators on the below mentioned charge. The victim remains hospitalized. Markes is currently being held in the Santa Rosa County Jail on a $100,000.00 bond. At the time of this release, a photograph is not available of Markes. One will be sent as soon as it becomes available.

SUSPECTS:

Erin Brittany Markes, W/F, 19 years old

4900 Block of Andrea Lane , Pace , FL ($100,000.00 Bond)

CHARGE:

Neglect of a Child with Great Bodily Harm, 2 nd degree felony

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit

(850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net