Woman arrested, charged in Clay County child’s diabetes-related death

Clay County, Fla. —

Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have arrested Jody O’Malley, 43, following a child’s death investigation.

On Aug. 20, 2020, deputies responded to a 911 call at O’Malley’s home and found a young child in medical distress inside his room, according to a report.

Investigators found “numerous” children inside the home but say at the time of the incident O’Malley was in Tampa with another child for a dentist appointment.

Action News Jax received O’Malley’s arrest report, and while it is heavily redacted, learned the child’s death was found to be a result of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes that can result in death.

Following an investigation, deputies say the child displayed obvious symptoms relating to his illness and O’Malley was negligent in failing to seek medical attention.

Right now, O’Malley faces one charge of Child Neglect. Her bond has been set at $75,003.

Cox Media Group