Palm Bay, FL – A Florida couple is facing serious charges after police say they locked their six children in separate rooms with only child-sized potty training toilets, while the rest of the home was found in a severely deteriorated and hazardous condition.
Nathan Forczyk, 42, and Laura Forczyk, 41, were arrested Tuesday and charged with six counts each of child neglect. Both parents posted $30,000 bond and were released from the Brevard County Jail.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began when Nathan Forczyk contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) seeking help with his children.
Police officers entering the home reported that the six children were locked in separate bedrooms, with no access to food, water, or restroom facilities.
“Each child had been locked in a bedroom containing only a child-sized potty training toilet,” the arrest affidavit states.
The rest of the home was described as unsafe and unsanitary, with drywall ripped from walls, exposing live electrical wiring, and human and animal waste littered throughout the house. Officers reported an overwhelming stench of cat urine, human urine, and feces that made it difficult to breathe.
Palm Bay police deemed the home hazardous to the children’s health, citing the combination of structural damage, filth, and lack of basic amenities.
Children’s Conditions and Special Needs
Following the arrest, Nathan Forczyk spoke, explaining the situation from his perspective. He said that four of the six children, ranging from 6 months to 7 years old, have nonverbal autism.
According to Forczyk, the children were not potty-trained and their behavioral challenges sometimes resulted in damage to the home. He emphasized that the family had been struggling and was attempting to manage without adequate support.
Police acknowledged the family was “in desperate need of assistance”, stating that the Forczyks were down on their luck and that the parents had reached out to DCF for help before the arrests.
Legal Proceedings
Nathan and Laura Forczyk are each facing six counts of felony child neglect. Court records indicate that they are scheduled to appear on September 30 for their preliminary hearings.
Authorities continue to assess the welfare of the six children, and DCF is working to ensure that the children receive appropriate care and support in the interim.
Community and Police Response
The case has shocked the Palm Bay community, with neighbors and officials calling attention to the importance of reporting unsafe living conditions and supporting families in crisis.
A spokesperson for the Palm Bay Police Department told that the case highlights a need for greater community resources to assist families who are struggling with special needs children, financial hardship, or other challenges.
Next Steps
The Forczyks’ upcoming court date will determine whether they remain in custody or face additional legal consequences. In the meantime, law enforcement and social services are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed on this developing case and be aware of resources available for families in need, including DCF, local advocacy groups, and child protective services.
Share your thoughts on this case in the comments below and follow for updates on the Forczyk family investigation.
