Parents Charged with Child Neglect After Getting Too Drunk at Disney World, Mother Hit Several Times in the Face While Children Watched

In a disturbing incident at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, law enforcement discovered a couple passed out and heavily intoxicated in their hotel room, with their two young children witnessing an episode of domestic violence. Robert and Janine Pecha from Staten Island, New York, faced serious legal consequences as a result.

On February 21, police found the couple unconscious in their room, surrounded by empty alcohol containers. Despite initial difficulties in rousing them, deputies reported that both Robert and Janine were eventually awakened, exhibiting clear signs of severe intoxication. The children recounted to officers that their parents had been drinking all day before an argument escalated, leading to Robert striking Janine several times.

As a result of the incident, Robert was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence, and both parents were charged with third-degree felony child neglect. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the children, aged 5 and 3, due to the absence of other family members or friends in the vicinity.

This case is particularly notable as the couple had no prior history of domestic violence, according to the sheriff’s office. The situation only came to light after a delay in the release of public records by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, prompting recent coverage by WDWNT.

Both Robert and Janine were treated for their intoxication at a local hospital before being taken to jail. At the time of the report, only Robert had legal representation listed in court records. Efforts to reach out for comments from the involved parties have remained unanswered. This case highlights the tragic impact of substance abuse and domestic strife, not just on individuals but importantly on bystanders, often the youngest and most vulnerable.