Rosie O’Donnell’s Daughter Arrested for Child Neglect
Rosie O’Donnell’s eldest daughter, Chelsea Belle O’Donnell, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including child neglect, after authorities discovered her 11-month-old child in a home filled with methamphetamine pipes, feces, and trash. According to court documents obtained by In Touch, the 27-year-old was charged on September 17 with four felony counts, including maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of meth, and child neglect.
Disturbing 911 Call and Arrest
The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Chelsea on September 10, where dispatchers overheard an argument and a woman yelling for someone to “get the hell away” from her. Upon arrival, officers found Chelsea with dilated pupils, and after questioning her about the argument, she admitted to having a verbal altercation with her boyfriend, Jacob Nelund. Chelsea was subsequently detained when a meth pipe with residue was found in her possession.
Shocking Conditions in the Home
When police entered the home to check on the welfare of Chelsea’s son, they discovered the house in a deplorable condition. The home was filled with rotten food, moldy dishes, dirty diapers, and used hygiene products. Hypodermic needles, some filled with blood, were found throughout the house, including in the child’s bedroom. Additionally, officers found drug paraphernalia, such as meth pipes and a digital scale, under the baby’s crib.
Drug Possession and Trafficking Evidence
Chelsea later admitted to having more drugs on her, including a vial of meth and prescription pills. The methamphetamine weighed 18.050 grams. Police also discovered evidence suggesting drug trafficking in the home, including a potential meth cooking setup. Child Protective Services intervened, and the baby was handed over to one of Jacob’s friends for safety.
Second Arrest in October
Just weeks after her first arrest, Chelsea was pulled over by police on October 11. During the traffic stop, Chelsea, visibly nervous and sweating, tried to discard a meth pipe by throwing it toward a river. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found more used needles, and Chelsea admitted to having additional items hidden in her bra, including more meth and prescription pills. She was arrested and charged with three felonies, including possession of meth, bail jumping, and possession of narcotics.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Response
On October 19, Rosie O’Donnell, 62, broke her silence about her daughter’s arrest, releasing a statement to In Touchacknowledging Chelsea’s long battle with addiction. “Sadly, this is not new for our family—Chelsea has struggled with drug addiction for a decade—we are all hopeful she will find her way out of this deadly disease,” the O’Donnell family said.
A Troubled Past
Rosie and her ex-wife Kelli Carpenter adopted Chelsea as a baby. In 2015, Chelsea made headlines when she went missing at 17, later being found at a man’s home. Rosie revealed at the time that Chelsea had been struggling with mental health issues. Chelsea, however, denied having severe mental health problems but admitted to battling anxiety and depression.
In 2016, Chelsea was hospitalized for a psychiatric evaluation. She later married Nicholas Alliegro, though the couple split in 2018. Chelsea is a mother of four children: Skylar Rose (born December 2018), Riley (born January 2021), Avery Lynn (born February 2022), and Atlas (born October 2023).
A court hearing for Chelsea’s latest charges is scheduled for next month.
