TAMPA - A couple were arrested early on New Year's Day and accused of leaving their 8-year-old daughter alone in a hotel room while they gambled at the Hard Rock Casino.
Donovan Jewell, 42, and his wife, Nancy Ellen Jewell, 41, were charged with child abuse by neglect and were each being held in lieu of $2,000 bail.
According to reports from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the couple left their daughter alone at the La Quinta Inn from 10 p.m. until 4-4:30 a.m., when the scared, crying child awoke and went to the lobby for help, worried because her mother was not there.
Deputies contacted the Seminole Police Department and learned Donovan Jewell had a Player's Club card that was in use. The card allows gamblers to earn points toward meals and other hotel services.
With the help of police at the casino, the Jewells were found there and placed under arrest, according to deputies.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement