Miami, Florida — A 40-year-old father is facing felony child neglect charges after authorities alleged that he deprived his two young children of food for days at a time, confined them to their rooms and forced them to use a bucket as a toilet.
According to a probable cause affidavit, deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in the 1000 block of NE 175th Street in Miami at around 7 a.m. on October 13, 2026, to conduct a welfare check. The investigation began after the children reportedly contacted relatives and described their living conditions.
The father, identified in court records as Wendy Louis, was later taken into custody. The allegations have raised concerns about the children’s welfare, their access to food and their prolonged absence from school.
How the Child Neglect Investigation Began
The affidavit states that the children contacted family members and reported that they were not being fed for days at a time.
“The victims were advising family members that they were not being fed for days,” the affidavit states. “They were only allowed to drink water from the shower, kept inside their rooms and not allowed to use the restroom.”
The reports prompted relatives to seek help, leading deputies to the Miami home for a welfare check.
According to investigators, the children described being confined to their rooms for extended periods and having limited access to basic necessities. Deputies documented the allegations as part of the investigation into suspected child neglect.
The affidavit does not establish a final judicial finding, and the allegations against Louis remain subject to the legal process.
Deputies Describe the Children’s Condition
During the investigation, deputies reportedly observed that the children appeared significantly underweight and had poorly maintained hair.
The affidavit described the children as “extremely small and thin for their age,” with hair that was “unkempt and matted.”
Investigators also reported that the children said their father regularly kept them inside their rooms for days at a time.
“They explained they are kept inside their room and not allowed out for days at a time,” deputies wrote. “They further advised they have to use a bucket as their bathroom.”
The allegations describe restrictions involving food, movement and access to a regular bathroom. Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the children’s medical condition or whether they required treatment following the welfare check.
Why the Father Allegedly Withheld Food
According to the probable cause affidavit, the children told deputies that their father often refused to feed them because he believed the government was “putting stuff in the food.”
The affidavit does not provide additional details about how frequently the alleged food deprivation occurred or what specific foods were involved.
Louis reportedly refused to be interviewed by investigators. Authorities documented the children’s statements and other observations as part of the case.
The allegations are particularly serious because adequate food, sanitation and appropriate supervision are essential to children’s physical and mental well-being. Investigators alleged that Louis failed to provide the care necessary to protect those needs.
Children Reportedly Had Not Attended School Since 2025
The affidavit also raised questions about the children’s education.
According to the documents, the children told deputies they had not attended school since August 2025. They also said their father had not been homeschooling them.
The reported absence from school adds another concern to the investigation, although authorities have not released further information about the children’s educational arrangements or whether school officials had previously raised concerns.
The documents allege that Louis “failed to provide and protect” his children with the care necessary to maintain their “physical and mental health.”
Father Arrested in North Miami
According to the affidavit, Louis was arrested at approximately 4 p.m. on October 13 in the 13000 block of Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami.
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He was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Court records listed his bond as “to be set” as of Thursday morning, October 15.
Louis faces two counts of felony child neglect without great bodily harm, according to court records.
Authorities had not clarified when he was scheduled to appear in court. Further information about the children’s current living arrangements and the next steps in the legal proceedings was not provided in the available account.
The investigation centers on the allegations involving the children’s access to food, their confinement, their reported living conditions and their prolonged absence from school.
As the case proceeds, court filings and further statements from authorities may provide additional details about the allegations and the steps taken to protect the children.
What are your thoughts on this case and the importance of protecting children who may be experiencing neglect? Share your views in the comments below.
