Florida Mom Left Kids Alone for Vegas Trip, Refused to Return When Son Hospitalized

A Florida mother, Irene Miller, 50, has been arrested on child neglect charges after allegedly leaving her four children home alone for an extended period to travel to Las Vegas for a work trip. According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Miller’s children, aged 9, 11, 12, and 14, were left unsupervised at their Kissimmee condo.

Authorities were alerted to the situation last Wednesday when the 9-year-old son was hospitalized with a head laceration. The injury occurred when a dumbbell reportedly fell on him as the children were attempting to secure a blanket fort. Police informed Miller of her son's hospitalization, but she refused to return home, stating she would not be able to travel back until Friday.

Miller, a Russian-born photographer, was eventually arrested at Orlando International Airport upon her return. She told authorities that she was in Las Vegas until Friday and "couldn't come home," according to Capt. Kim Montes of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

The children's father, Mark Miller, 53, was contacted by authorities and stated he was unaware his estranged wife had left their children unattended. The children have since been placed in their father's care. The couple is currently in the process of divorcing after 15 years of marriage. Previously, Irene Miller had accused her husband of abuse, an allegation he denies.

Mark Miller was arrested in August on charges of criminal battery against Irene. He was released on a $10,000 bond, and a no-contact order was issued in September. Despite the order, the Department of Children and Family Services determined it was safe for the children to be with their father. He is now reportedly caring for the four children in a single-room motel and has started a GoFundMe to help support them.