In a deeply concerning incident, a Florida couple has been arrested following allegations of severe child abuse.
According to investigators from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Lance Rachel, aged 42, is accused of physically abusing a boy over a misplaced couch cushion. The alleged abuse is reported to have occurred on December 7 at a home in Kissimmee, Florida.
The investigation revealed that Rachel struck the young boy more than 50 times with a belt, choked him, and shouted threats of breaking his jaw. Portions of this distressing incident were captured on the home’s surveillance cameras, providing crucial evidence to the authorities.
The situation came to light on December 11, after the Florida Department of Children and Families, alongside law enforcement, were informed of the abuse. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Lance Rachel.
Furthermore, Rachel’s wife, Kimberly Rachel, was also arrested. She faces charges for allegedly failing to report the ongoing abuse, a serious neglect that left the child vulnerable to prolonged harm.
During an interview with detectives on December 16, Lance Rachel reportedly confessed to the abusive actions. As a result, he is facing charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation. Meanwhile, Kimberly faces charges for her failure to report the abuse as mandated by law.
This case underscores the severity of child abuse and the responsibility of individuals to report suspected abuse to protect vulnerable children.
Source: Abcactionnews