Captain Frank Surmaczewicz
Criminal Investigation Division
Port Orange Police Department
(386) 506-5899
Case# 09-008920    

                       PORT ORANGE MAN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH CHILD NEGLECT

On September 26, 2009 at approximately 8:13 pm Paramedics were requested to respond to 362 Bent Oak Lane in Port Orange after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor. A 14 year old resident of 362 Bent Oak Lane named Jeremiah Reese was found to be deceased on the family room couch. His father, Michael Reese, had been attempting to wake him up when the medical personnel arrived on scene. Another 14 year old boy who was visiting with Jeremiah Reese was in need of urgent care and was rushed to the hospital. 

Upon arrival of the Port Orange Police Department the interior of 362 Bent Oak Lane was found to be in complete disarray. There were prescription pill bottles scattered throughout the residence, as well as pills and associated paraphernalia. 

On September 28, 2009 an autopsy was performed with preliminary results revealing the deceased to have opiates and THC in his system. The totality of the evidence obtained points to this incident as an accidental overdose. 

On September 30, 2009 Detective Sergeant David Meyer met with the State Attorney’s Office in order to seek an arrest warrant against 52-year-old, Michael Reese for the charge of Neglect of a Child. Honorable Judge Raul Zambrano signed an arrest warrant against Michael Reese for Neglect of a Child. The bond was stipulated at $ 30,000.00. Michael Reese was arrested at approximately 4:20 pm at his residence. 

Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact Detective Sgt. David Meyer at # 506-5882.