Authorities: Irene Miller arrested for leaving 4 children alone

Irene Miller, a 50-year-old Kissimmee woman, was arrested on Oct. 23 at Orlando International Airport after authorities say she left her four children home alone without overnight supervision while she traveled to Las Vegas for work.

According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Miller faces four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm.

Investigation sparked by injury

The case began on Oct. 21, when deputies received a 911 call shortly after 8:30 p.m. from a child. The caller reported that her 9-year-old brother had been injured by a falling dumbbell. Upon arriving at the home, deputies found four children—ages 14, 12, 11, and 9—with no adults present.

Irene Miller Arrested: Why She Left Her Kids Alone for Days

Fire rescue personnel transported the 9-year-old boy to Celebration Hospital, where he was treated and released. The children’s father was contacted and agreed to take the four children to his residence.

Supervision arrangements

Investigators determined that Miller had departed for her trip on Oct. 18. When contacted by phone, Miller told deputies she was working in Las Vegas and intended to return to Florida on Oct. 23.

Miller informed authorities she had hired a babysitter who traveled from Tampa to prepare the children for school in the mornings and check on them after school. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office noted that the babysitter was not required to stay overnight.

Airport arrest

Detectives coordinated to meet Miller on the morning of Oct. 23 as her flight arrived. She was arrested upon exiting the airplane and was booked into the Orange County jail.

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In a statement regarding the arrest, Sheriff Chris Blackmon said,

“The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office will not tolerate child neglect. These cases will be investigated, and charges will be brought against the parents who are not properly supervising or caring for their children.”