Janitor, 72, accidently locks herself inside holding cell at Orange County Courthouse; spends weekend with no food, diabetes medicine

Dec 28, 2023

For 57 hours a janitor was trapped inside a holding cell at the Orange County Courthouse with no food and zero access to her diabetes medication, according to an incident report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The 72-year-old woman started her shift on Friday by obtaining a vendor badge in the loading dock area, which grants her access to secure locations, the report said. Around 9 p.m., she entered a holding cell on the 23rd floor in order to clean the area, but was locked inside after the cell door shut behind her.

Her cellphone, which she left on her janitorial cart, was too far from reach.

She wasn't found until Monday at 6:45 a.m. when a deputy noticed her. According to the report, she had not eaten anything while locked in the holding cell. The only water she was able to drink was from a small faucet from the top of a toilet, the report said.

City of Orlando rescue officials were called to the courthouse Monday morning to check on her well-being. Orange County Facilities Management documented the incident, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The report said the woman told rescuers she has diabetes and she had not taken any insulin for more than two days. According to the report, she said she did not need to be taken to a hospital, but was given food to help adjust her blood sugar levels and taken home by deputies.

The janitor is an employee for Owens Realty Services. Part of her job duties include cleaning the courthouse, according to the report.

Over the course of the weekend, at least eight different security officers held different shifts at the loading dock area, with no more than one person on duty at a time.

[email protected]

Sign up for email newsletters