JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Alexandra Ebey, 37, was arrested on child neglect charges last month, now she is also charged with aggravated child abuse, according to records.
A neighbor, who wants to remain anonymous, told News4JAX she is relieved. “I’m hoping that they go through for the fullest extent,”
According to an arrest report, DCF called the police to the Westside home on December 14. Investigators described the girl to appear weak and emaciated with open wounds and skin falling off her body.
Detectives spoke with the girl’s two older brothers who also had signs of abuse and neglect. The 5-year-old told police she was locked down with handcuffs, a belt, and rope while locked in the closet for 25 days.
“I was over there the other day and the little girl was saying that she was worried about starving to death when she was going to sleep and she shouldn’t have to worry about when her next meal is coming,” according to the neighbor.
Kenneth Trout, 38, is also charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect. According to sources, he and Ebey are in a relationship. The neighbors said she’s grateful the children are in a safer place.
“It’s a game-changer when you see them fully clothed, they are clean, they are happy, they are smiling, they are laughing. They are still scared but at least they are still smiling at the end of the day.”
The neighbor said the 5-year-old girl was released from the hospital on Friday. She said the girl and her three brothers are now with their grandparents. Ebey and Trout are both being held in the Duval County Jail.