Joel Christopher Kohnert and Jennifer Renee Kohnert. {BSO}
A Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant and his wife are facing child abuse charges after authorities say they confined a 12-year-old girl inside a room for years at their Coral Springs home, according to court records.
Joel Christopher Kohnert, 44, and Jennifer Renee Kohnert, 45, were arrested Tuesday by Coral Springs Police and booked into the Broward County jail on charges of child abuse without great bodily harm.
Investigators allege the couple locked the child inside a room from the outside for an extended period, with reports indicating the confinement lasted for up to three years. During that time, the girl was allegedly forced to relieve herself in the room and clean it using her own clothing.
Following the arrests, BSO placed Joel Kohnert on administrative investigative leave without pay, according to reports.
Authorities said the couple’s children have been removed from the home by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
A judge set a bond of $100,000 for each parent and ordered that they have no contact with the alleged victim or any minors while the case is pending.
The investigation is ongoing.
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