Florida Girl, Michel Pollard, Accused of Poisoning Adoptive Family

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident in which a 13-year-old girl is accused of poisoning members of her family, MyFoxOrlando.com reported.

Investigators said the girl confessed to putting roach and rodent poison, as well as dog feces, in food eaten by her adoptive mother. They also said she placed hand soap in her drinking water.

There is concern that the family's two biological children may also have been poisoned. It is believed that girl's actions began sometime in early 2009 and continued through April of 2010.

The adoptive mother told investigators that recent toxicology tests have shown traces of arsenic in her blood, and for the past year, she has seen her health deteriorate. At this point, she has refused to press charges against the girl.

Neighbors said the family provided love and a home for the girl, whom they adopted from Mexico years back, and even sent her to a private school.

"I was shocked," said an acquaintance of the family, who told MyFoxOrlando.com that she had received an e-mail from the family asking neighbors to keep them in their prayers.

The Florida Department of Children and Family Services reported that mental health services were provided months ago, when the family needed assistance.

Orange County detectives said these are acts of domestic violence and the investigation will continue before charges are sent to the State Attorney's Office.

In the meantime, the incident report states that the girl is staying at a health care facility, because she has been categorized as a threat to her family and society.

If a charge is brought against the girl, it likely would be for felony poisoning. Because she is adopted, she can not be deported.

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I hope that she is un-adopted so that she can be deported

Michel Pollard allegedly used insecticide to poison her adopted mother, Janet Tinoco, and the family's two biological children, for more than a year. The sheriff's office report says the 7th grader confessed earlier this week when they showed up to arrest her.
"It was such a surprise, because they're such a great family. And Michel seems like such a great girl," neighbor Kellie Wilson said.
You pour out unconditional love to a child and the last think you expect is for them to harm you," Wilson said.
No one answered at the family's home Friday, but neighbors told WFTV they just received an email from the family detailing what happened and asking for prayers.
WFTV learned the family adopted Pollard from Mexico when she was eight or nine, after her biological mom abandoned her.
WFTV learned the family adopted Pollard from Mexico when she was eight or nine, after her biological mom abandoned her.
"They really wanted her and really went through a lot of trouble," Wilson said.
Because the Tinoco family adopted Pollard from Mexico she can't be deported; she's legally their daughter. And, in spite of the serious charges, in less than 21 days the juvenile legal system is expected to send her home.
WFTV talked to several neighbors who said the family is working to get Pollard help; initially the family didn't want to press charges. A neighbor told WFTV they did it because it was the only way to get her the help she needs.
Investigators said the teen can't be charged with attempted murder, only felony poisoning, because you have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the intention to kill was there.

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