03.04.2026 10:50
A fire lieutenant and his wife in Florida were arrested on charges of years of abuse against their 12-year-old adopted child. It was alleged that the child was locked in a room, not allowed to go to the bathroom, and forced to clean. The incident came to light when the school noticed the situation, leading to abuse charges being filed against the couple.
A firefighter rescue lieutenant and his wife in the state of Florida, USA, were taken into custody on allegations of systematically torturing their adopted 12-year-old daughter for years. It was claimed that the couple locked the child in her room and subjected her to severe mistreatment.
LOCKED IN A ROOM, PREVENTED FROM GOING TO THE TOILET
According to police reports, Joel Christopher Kohnert (44) and his wife Renee Kohnert (45) locked the child in her room at night. The child, who was not allowed to go to the toilet, had to relieve herself in her room.
CLAIM THAT SHE "CLEANED HERSELF"
Authorities stated that the child was forced to clean the dirt that accumulated in the mornings with her own clothes, used vinegar and bleach for cleaning, and then washed her clothes outside to use them again.
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE
The report also included that the child's hair was pulled, she was slapped, and kicked while on the ground. It was also claimed that she was forced to stay in water for a long time and was made to write verses from the Bible as punishment.
SCHOOL DISCOVERED THE SITUATION
The situation was noticed when the homeschooled child started attending school. The incident was reported to the authorities after school staff became suspicious, and an investigation was initiated.
COURT'S SEVERE REACTION
The court did not accept the couple's defense and decided to hold them in custody with a bail of $100,000 each. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the allegations by stating, "This is not a religious matter."
SUSPENDED FROM DUTY
It was reported that Joel Christopher Kohnert, who has been a public servant since 2010, has been suspended from duty. The couple is being tried on charges of abuse against the child.