Ex-Deputy, Woman Arrested in Connection with Death of Toddler

A former Polk County Sheriff’s deputy and a Highlands woman have been arrested in connection with the death of a one-year-old child.

Investigators say, Adriana A. Espinosa, 23, of Lake Placid, the child’s mother, left the baby in a vehicle with the motor off.  Subsequently, the child went into distress and died.

Investigators also say, then Polk County Sheriff’s detention deputy, Christopher Eiland, 22, of Fort Meade knew of the events leading up to the baby’s death but failed to report it.

Espinosa was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and neglect of a child causing bodily harm.  She was booked into the Highlands County Jail on a $300,000 bond.

Meanwhile, Eiland was arrested and charged with one count of failure to report suspected child abuse, abandonment or neglect by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.  He was booked into the Polk County Jail Friday, and has since posted a $50,000 bond.

Eiland was hired by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in June 2012 and was still on probationary status when he was arrested.

The relationship between Eiland and Espinosa was not immediately clear.