A family vacation in the Florida Keys turned into a criminal case after a young child nearly drowned while her father — a Colorado political candidate — was away from the pool area.
Authorities say Frederick Alfred Jr., 38, has been charged with two counts of felony child neglect following the incident at Opal Key Resort and Marina, per the New York Post.
According to an arrest report, Alfred had been at the resort with his two children — a 6-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl — when he left them unattended Monday evening.
He went to a nearby bar and purchased two drinks, including a cocktail and a cannabis-infused beverage.
While he was gone, emergency responders were called to the scene around 7:40 p.m. after reports that the young girl had nearly drowned in a hot tub.
Her brother attempted to pull her from the water, but swallowed water himself during the effort.
Realizing their father was not nearby, the boy sought help from another hotel guest.
By the time help arrived, the girl was “foaming from the mouth” and required CPR before regaining consciousness.
Investigators said Alfred told officers he had only been away for about five minutes when he returned with the drinks. Police also noted that he smelled of alcohol.
Authorities further stated that Alfred initially resisted allowing paramedics to transport his children to the hospital before eventually agreeing.
Paramedics warned him there was a “very significant risk that there could be other issues from the incident that would not present themselves until later,” according to the report.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office later arrested Alfred on two felony counts tied to child neglect. Each charge carries the possibility of prison time under Florida law.
The incident has also had political repercussions.
Alfred is currently the only Republican running for a seat in Colorado’s Senate District 21, which is held by Democratic lawmaker Adrienne Benavidez. The seat became available after Dafna Michaelson Jenet stepped down earlier this year.
Following the arrest, Alfred was dropped by the nonpartisan Chainsaw Caucus.
“The serious allegations of child neglect reported today are incompatible with the core principles of parental responsibility and personal accountability that define our organization,” said the group’s chair, Hannah Goodman.
“We wish the children a full recovery and expect the legal process to run its course.”
