Weapons cache, explosives, drugs found in Venice home

VENICE, Fla. - A couple in Sarasota County is facing charges after drugs, weapons and explosives were found in their home within reach of a 5-year-old child living in the home.

Deputies were called to do a welfare check at a home on N. Jackson Rd. in Venice.

Once inside, they found eight rifles, five handguns, several boxes of ammunition, along with two pipe bombs and hand grenades in the master bedroom.

The bomb squad says at least one of the explosive devices was active.

Investigators said the home was covered in dirt and trash and described as "deplorable" by investigators.

Steven Pace, 23,  and Katie Smith, 24, face several charges including aggravated child abuse. Pace also faces possession of explosives charges. He's being held on $180,000 bond and Smith is being held on $100,000 bond.