Former Detention Deputy Arrested for House Party

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SEBRING — A former Highlands County detention deputy was arrested Friday and charged with child neglect, several weeks after a party at her residence that ended with three people being shot.

Heather D. Mills, 39, 2105 N. Zephyr Road, Avon Park, was arrested and booked Friday on charges of child neglect without great harm and contributing to the delinquency of a minor for allowing minors to consume alcohol or drugs at an open house party.

A press release from the Highlands County sheriff’s Office said that mixed drinks were at the residence and that Mills was selling drinks, while appearing to be intoxicated herself, the press release said. The incident occurred on March 21.

The press release also said that the odor of marijuana was present throughout the house.

“By the grace of God, more kids weren’t hurt that night,” Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton said in a press release. “With as many as 100 kids at a party where the adult homeowner was providing the formula for disaster and where her own young 14-year-old daughter was present, it would seem these charges are fitting.”

Benton praised her deputies and investigators for their work in bringing about the arrest of Mills and two others.

Mills is the third person arrested in connection with the party.

Previously, Marquay Desa Rockmore, 18, of 1005 Lemon Ave., Sebring and Shara J. Hawk, 17, of 211 Williams Gray Court, Avon Park were arrested in connection with the incident.

Hawk was charged with violation of probation, attempted first-degree murder, improper exhibit of a firearm, shooting or throwing a missile into a dwelling, vehicle, building or aircraft and possession of a firearm by a minor.

One 19-year-old and two 16-year-old males were shot at the party, authorities said. The Sheriff’s Office has said previously the problems may have stemmed from ongoing issues between some Sebring High School and Avon Park High School students.

Mills was a correctional officer for eight years. She worked at the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections.

jmeisel@highlandstoday.com

(863) 386-5834

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What a piece of trash. Hope they send her to prison. At least then she'll be able to sleep with as many inmates as she wants...