In a deeply disturbing case from Florida, a man allegedly put his stepchildren through what authorities describe as “heinous” abuse, including making one child consume food tainted with animal feces and water containing urine, according to police officials.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office unleashed a scathing statement on July 24, remarking, “The year’s not over, but this P.O.S. is on track to be Scumbag of the YEAR,” in their released press release. The remark underscores the gravity of the allegations facing the accused.
Identified as William Conner, the man is currently facing serious charges including two counts each of child abuse and child neglect. These charges were confirmed via Volusia County arrest records as reported by Oxygen. The nature of these charges reflects the severity of the accusations against him.
Despite the charges, Conner has publicly denied all allegations. According to a report from WFTV 9, he maintains his innocence amid the growing legal battle.
Law enforcement officials have disclosed that the alleged victims include a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. Disturbingly, police reports indicate that Conner primarily targeted the boy, subjecting him to the most severe of his abusive behaviors.
Conner allegedly locked him in a detached laundry room without air conditioning, monitoring him with a camera. The room also allegedly had no running water or bathroom access, forcing the boy to use a bucket as a toilet.
The boy told police that when he learned his food was contaminated, he vomited, which made Conner laugh. He also alleged Conner hit him with a studded belt, plastic spatulas and electrical cords.
At times, Conner forced the boy to stay awake all night, and when he fell asleep, used a two-way audio system to “torment” him, police said, adding that the girl was sometimes subjected to the same treatment.
Conner and another suspect, Samantha Lucas, were arrested July 23 and booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail, where they were soon released on bond.
“Thank God these kids are free from this abuse today,” authorities wrote in the release. “Without giving too much detail, they’re in a safe environment now.”
Now, Conner wants to fight the charges.
He denied withholding food and water from the children—whom he called emotionally troubled—but admitted to putting the boy in the laundry room as a “time out” for misbehavior, according to WFTV 9.
“We have been doing nothing but trying to get help,” Conner told the outlet. “I’m trying to prove my innocence and get help. I don’t know how I’m supposed to do that.”