Dad had history of abusing son who died of overdose (Port Orange, Florida)

We've reported on dad MICHAEL REESE before, who's son died of a drug overdose on the family room sofa. Now we find out that Dad as a long history of neglect, abuse, and drugs. He's also a single dad.

Report: Overdosed Teen Had History Of Abuse
Saturday, October 03, 2009 8:02:43 AM

DCF Investigates Circumstances Of Port Orange Teen’s Death
Father Arrested In Teen's Overdose Death

PORT ORANGE -- New reports showed a 14-year-old boy who died in September from a prescription drug overdose had a history of being abused.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Jeremiah Reese died after taking his father’s OxyContin.

The report also said that DCF has investigated reports of abuse and neglect dating back 10 years.

According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Reese was found riding his bicycle on a major highway when he was 6, while his father slept.

The reports said Reese’s father also gave his son drugs to sell at school.

The father, Michael Reese, was charged with child neglect. Authorities said he has a long history of drug arrests.

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/9/28/dcf_investigating_port_orange_teens_death.html

DCF Investigates Circumstances Of Port Orange Teen’s Death
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 4:22:05 AM
Reported By Saul Saenz

PORT ORANGE -- The Department of Children and Families is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Volusia County teen.

Jeremiah Reese, 14, died Sunday from an apparent overdose of prescription painkillers.
Reese would have turned 15 Monday.

Police said the teen dead inside his home.

"We found that there was evidence of opiates and THC in the system," said Frank Surmaczewicz, a spokesman for the Port Orange Police Department.

Another 14 year old was rushed to the emergency room at Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach. He is doing OK.

Jeremiah's biological father died a few years ago and Michael Reese became his legal guardian.
Now the elder Reese could be the focus of two investigations.

"Right now we're investigating the possibility that some of the Oxycodone, or Oxycotin could've actually come from the home where the 14 year old resided. (The father?) Yes. (Will there be any charges?) That is still under investigation," Surmaczewicz said.

DCF spokesman Reggie Williams said the agency is also investigating. He said the last time a DCF case worker visited the home was in 2008.

Williams said if a death review committee finds there was neglect or abuse involved in Reese's death, that report will be released to the public.

Michael Reese was unwilling to talk to News 13.

However, neighbors said Jeremiah was a popular and well-liked boy.

"I really didn't think something like this would happen,” said Tracy Keuhn. “It's just confusing."
"Like today when he died, we had so many kids here (be)cause they knew who he was and they were all crying," Marcus Thompson said.

Grief counselors were at Creekside Middle School where Reese and the other 14 year old attended.

Neighbors planned to hold a vigil Monday night.