Fort Myers woman arrested for ‘deplorable conditions’ her children suffered

Reporter: Gina Tomlinson
Published: Updated:
Mugshot of Justinemarie Berger, 42. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Mugshot of Justinemarie Berger, 42. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

A Fort Myers woman has been arrested Wednesday for the “deplorable conditions” her two children had to suffer, such as sleeping in urine soaked bed sheets and being covered in dirt, despite the suspect having the financial means to a provide a safer living environment for her family.

The suspect, Justinemarie Berger, 42, faces charges of Neglect of Child Without Great Bodily Harm and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Fort Myers Police Dept. officers responded to an apartment at the 3000 block of Seminole Ave in regards to a breach of peace call. The property manager of the apartment complex contacted code enforcement to bring to its attention the disgusting living conditions of a tenant.

Before entering the apartment, officers smelled “a strong foul odor of urine and rotten food,” the FMPD arrest report states. Once inside, officers said there were urine and animal feces throughout the apartment floor.

Food in the fridge was rotten, prompting officers to contact the Florida Dept. of Children and Families, due to further worries for the welfare of the children, per the arrest report. While waiting for the agency to arrive, officers noticed the bedsheets of both children were covered in dirt and dry urine.

A DCF employee later arranged temporary placement for the children.

Berger was transported to the Lee County Jail.

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