Port Richey Parents Jessie Waldroup and Denise Uzunboylu Charged with Child Neglect After Infant's Life-Threatening 0.383 BAC

A Port Richey couple faces felony child neglect charges after their 6-month-old daughter was hospitalized with a blood alcohol level of 0.383. Authorities arrested Jessie Lee Waldroup, 36, and Denise Leann Uzunboylu, 27, both of Port Richey, on September 17. The infant's condition was critical but stable, and medical personnel indicated she likely would have died without prompt medical attention.

This incident raises serious concerns within the community regarding child safety and parental responsibility. Residents often discuss such cases, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for families in need. The legal proceedings will unfold in the coming weeks, providing more details on the circumstances leading to the child's hospitalization.

The tragic discovery occurred on September 8 when the couple's 7-year-old son found his baby sister unresponsive. He alerted his parents, who were reportedly sleeping in the living room after he returned home from school. First responders arrived to find the infant breathing but still unresponsive. Paramedics then airlifted the child to a children's trauma center, where doctors determined her dangerously high blood alcohol level. A BAC above 0.30 can cause alcohol poisoning and prove fatal, according to medical data.

Initially, Waldroup and Uzunboylu denied any drug or alcohol use and claimed they did not know how their daughter ingested alcohol. However, Uzunboylu later admitted the family had been at the beach with other family members on September 7. The couple now faces a felony count of child neglect with great bodily harm. They will appear in court as the legal process continues.