Colorado Senate Candidate Arrested for Felony Child Neglect After Pool Incident
A Republican candidate for the Colorado state Senate, who has built his political platform on family values, has been arrested on suspicion of felony child neglect after allegedly leaving his two young children unattended at a resort pool in Florida. The incident resulted in his four-year-old daughter nearly drowning while he was at the bar.
Details of the Arrest and Incident
Frederick Alfred Jr, 38, the sole Republican candidate set to appear on the Senate District 21 ballot in November, was taken into custody in Key West, Florida, on Monday night. According to reports from The Denver Post, the arrest followed an emergency call at the Opal Key Resort, where Alfred's children were swimming without supervision.
An arrest warrant reveals that a witness, another guest at the resort, told police that Alfred's six-year-old son approached him for help rescuing his sister from the pool because their parents were not present. The concerned guest then pulled the unconscious four-year-old girl from the water, noting she was foaming at the mouth. He immediately called 911 at 7:34 p.m. and began performing CPR.
Police reported that Alfred returned to the pool area at 7:40 p.m., holding an alcoholic drink. A bar receipt later confirmed he had ordered a $20 'Bourbon and Bubbles' and a $16 'Levitate' cannabis-infused drink while away from his children. When questioned by officers, Alfred allegedly claimed he was only gone for five minutes, leaving the children alone in the hot tub to get a drink.
Consequences and Medical Response
Paramedics informed police that during Alfred's absence, his daughter nearly drowned, and his son swallowed an unknown amount of pool water while attempting to save her. The young boy, realizing he could not rescue his sister, sought help from a stranger. Although the girl regained consciousness at the scene and appeared normal, officers warned Alfred of significant potential health risks later on.
Alfred allegedly tried to block paramedics from taking his children to the hospital before relenting. The children were transported to the Lower Keys Medical Center, and authorities contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families to check on their welfare. Upon Alfred's arrest, police noted a strong smell of alcohol emanating from him.
Political Background and Campaign Platform
Frederick Alfred Jr has campaigned as a 'husband, father and community leader', according to his website, which states, 'As a father, I believe families should guide their children's education and I am dedicated to ensuring parental rights are respected.' He positions himself as a strong voice for families in Colorado politics.
Alfred is the only Republican candidate for Senate District 21 and is set to face either incumbent Democrat Adreienne Benavidez or teacher Alex Ryckman in the general election. Benavidez assumed the role after winning a vacancy election earlier this year, following the resignation of Democrat state Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet. Alfred previously challenged Jenet in 2024, losing by approximately 1,500 votes, with Jenet securing 51% of the vote to Alfred's 49%.
Legal Implications and Future Outlook
If convicted on the child neglect charges, Alfred could face up to five years in prison. The incident has sparked scrutiny of his campaign messaging and personal conduct, raising questions about his fitness for public office. As of now, no comment has been provided by Alfred's campaign in response to inquiries from media outlets.
