Deputies arrest couple after child found wandering alone

Child found wearing only a dress in 50 degree temperatures

Ashley Rook and Thomas "TJ" Thomas are charged with child neglect.

LAKE PANASOFFKEE, Fla. – Two people were arrested on Monday after deputies say a delivery man found a 2-year-old child wandering alone in a front yard.

Sumter County investigators say the child was found wearing only a dress, no socks, shoes or a coat. They said the temperature was 53 degrees when the child was found.

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Deputies said they knocked on the front door, and no one answered.

When they entered, they said they found drug paraphernalia and what they suspected was marijuana in plain view.

They said they found Ashley Rook and Thomas "TJ" Thomas in a rear bedroom asleep.

Deputies said they arrested both of them for drug possession and child neglect.

According to his arrest report, Thomas was also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Both posted bond on Tuesday, according to Sumter County court records.

News 6 investigated and found out family members of Rook filed a petition to get temporary custody of a child in Rook's home on Friday -- two days before the 2-year-old was found alone.

The judge has not ruled on that petition.


About the Author:

Erik Sandoval joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2013 and became an Investigator in 2020. During his time at News 6, Erik has covered several major stories, including the 2016 Presidential campaign. He was also one of the first reporters live on the air at the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

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