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ARREST REPORTS
An investigation into the accidental death of a 9-year old Crestview boy has resulted in child neglect charges against the victim’s mother, step-father, and grandfather.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office was called to 1069 Farmers Street in Crestview on November 10, 2016 after 9-year old Esau Jamison was found hanging by a belt in a bedroom closet by a family member. There was also a shotgun on the closet shelf, ammunition in a nearby chest of drawers, and a rock of crack cocaine in the bedroom.
He was later pronounced dead at North Okaloosa Medical Center. The Medical Examiner’s Office determined the manner of death was accidental.
Deputies say the home where Esau and five other children lived was filthy, with a kitchen overflowing with trash and visible cockroaches. The children ranged in age from three to fourteen.
The adults in the home were identified as Esau’s mother, 37-year old Jentry Smith, her husband 56-year old Robert Earl Smith, and Esau’s grandfather, 67-year old John E. Jamison.
Investigators say the defendants had been involved in at least seven prior investigations with the Department of Children and Families since 2012 in Escambia, Okaloosa, and Lee Counties. (Details outlined in Arrest Reports) OCSO investigators say they failed to provide adequate care, supervision, or living conditions for the well-being of children in the home.
After review of the case with the State Attorney’s Office, the OCSO has charged Jentry Smith and Robert Smith with six counts of child neglect. Jamison is also charged with six counts of child neglect, as well as possession of cocaine and possession of a weapon and ammo by a convicted felon.
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