Child Neglect Arrest followed a July 4 incident at a Key Largo resort where Florida authorities accused a couple of leaving their two young children alone in a hotel room while they spent time at the pool. Investigators said resort employees discovered the children after responding to reports of an unattended baby crying.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspects as Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, and Allison Sirica Cannella, 40, both of Delray Beach, Florida. Deputies arrested both parents on July 4 after completing their initial investigation.
According to the sheriff’s office, the couple left their two young children unattended inside their resort room while they went to the pool. Investigators alleged the parents drank alcoholic beverages while celebrating Independence Day.
Deputies responded to the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo at approximately 1:45 p.m. after resort employees requested assistance. Staff members entered the room after receiving reports that an unattended baby was crying inside.
Investigators said employees found two young children alone in nursery beds or cribs. Staff later located the parents at the resort pool, where they were reportedly drinking alcoholic beverages.
Authorities reviewed security camera footage and interviewed witnesses during the investigation. Based on that evidence, investigators alleged the children remained alone for approximately 40 minutes to one hour.
Officials said neither child suffered serious injuries during that time. Investigators also reported no immediate medical emergencies involving either child.
Authorities notified the Florida Department of Children and Families after completing the initial investigation. Officials placed the children in the care of a family friend until child welfare personnel arrived.
Deputies booked Brian Nicholas Cannella and Allison Sirica Cannella into custody after their arrests. Prosecutors charged each parent with two felony counts of child neglect without great bodily harm under Florida law.
Investigators presented the allegations that form the basis of the criminal case. The court will evaluate those allegations as the legal process moves forward.
Court records show both defendants are scheduled to appear on September 1. Officials have not announced additional court rulings or charges.
Investigators have not released further details beyond the information contained in the sheriff’s statement. Authorities also have not announced any additional charges connected to the case.
Investigators relied on witness statements, security footage, and observations from resort employees to establish a timeline of events leading to the arrests.
Child welfare officials became involved shortly after law enforcement completed its initial response. They focused on ensuring the children’s immediate care while investigators continued the criminal case.
The sheriff’s office said the family friend cared for the children until representatives from the Department of Children and Families arrived. Officials have not released additional information about the children’s long-term placement.
The Child Neglect Arrest remains under review as prosecutors move the case through the Florida court system. Both defendants remain presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt in court. As the legal process continues, the Child Neglect Arrest will proceed through scheduled hearings beginning with the defendants’ September court appearance.
