KISSIMMEE, Fla. – An Osceola County man and his wife were arrested in a violent child abuse case.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office last week began an investigation into an alleged child abuse case after the Department of Children and Families and law enforcement officers were made aware of an incident on Dec. 7 at a home in Kissimmee.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Lance Rachel Sr., 42, became angry over a missing couch cushion and accused the victim of lying.
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Deputies say the child was hit over 50 times with a belt, choked and verbally abused. Rachel also threatened to break the victim’s jaw, officials said.
Some of the incident was captured on in-home surveillance cameras.
On Wednesday, Rachel was interviewed by detectives and confirmed the abuse, according to authorities. Rachel was arrested on charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation.
Deputies say Rachel’s wife, Kimberly Rachel, 35, was arrested for failure to report the abuse.
The child’s relationship to the couple is unclear, but the sheriff’s office said the child is now in a safe place.
Anyone with information related to this case or any other similar incidents, please contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office at 407-348-2222.
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