DUI suspect left kids home alone

A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputy stopped a woman who was driving 70 mph in a 45 mph zone on South Tamiami Trail near Worrington Street.

Jennifer Calvillo, 29, had her 12-year-old daughter in the car at the time. Calvillo said she was taking the girl to the hospital because she was hit by a car a week ago.

The deputy said the woman appeared to be drunk, so he submitted a breath test, which Cavillo failed.

She told the deputy her other two children, ages 3 and 6, were with her brother, but the daughter revealed that the two young kids were left home alone.

Cavillo then admitted she left the two boys alone because they were sleeping and she could not get anyone to watch them.

Cavillo’s brother picked up the daughter and took custody of the other two children.

Before she was taken to jail, Cavillo asked if she could kiss her daughter good-bye.

The deputy overheard the woman tell the girl that she was being taken away and would never see her again, so the deputy pulled Cavillo away, telling her that she had traumatized the girl enough.

Cavillo was charged with DUI and child neglect.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].