Duo Arrested on Charges of Sexual Misconduct with Children and Neglect

May 28, 2024 – Punta Gorda, FL

Two people have been arrested after allegations of sexual misconduct with children and neglect.

On April 14, 2024, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a woman who advised that her granddaughter’s friend may be a victim of sexual abuse. Deputies responded and began an investigation into these allegations. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was contacted and made aware of the investigation.

The Child Protective Investigator with DCF made an immediate response to the home of the alleged victims, accompanied by law enforcement, but were unable to make contact. However, an adult female shouted from inside warning them to get off the property and that she was contacting a lawyer. The case was then assigned to the Major Case Unit (MCU) of the CCSO.

The following morning, MCU detectives met with the alleged victims at their school to gather some information. Both children disclosed that they were subjected to inappropriate touching by a man, later identified as Cody Douglas Meredith (06/06/1995). Additionally, they each advised that they had informed Tiffany Janeth Miller (09/19/1990) of the inappropriate touching, but that she took no action to put an end to it nor did she contact authorities.

On Tuesday April 23rd, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit arrived at the home of Tiffany Miller with a legal search warrant. Despite many attempts to speak with Miller and serve the warrant, she refused to open the door and ignored all communications. After more than an hour of efforts to get Miller to cooperate, deputies began to make forced entry to the residence. At that time, Miller opened the door and exited. While deputies attempted to detain her in handcuffs, Miller actively resisted and was charged accordingly.

“As adults, it is our duty to protect the children in our care and safeguard their futures. It is clear that these children were not being protected by these individuals. I want to thank the person who came forward with the initial report for doing the right thing which allowed us to get involved and ensure the children’s safety.”

Sheriff Bill Prummell

As a result of the investigation, Cody Douglas Meredith was arrested on two counts of Lewd/Lascivious Molestation and Tiffany Janeth Miller was arrested on charges of Failure to Report Abuse and two counts of Child Neglect. Both were transported to the Charlotte County Jail; at this time, Miller has bonded out and Meredith is being held without bond.