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A troubling incident unfolded in Volusia County, Florida, as deputies took action following a concerning report from a local school.
Authorities detained two individuals, Jeffrey Morales and Melissa Husk, on Friday after their six-year-old daughter arrived at school with noticeable bruises on her face, raising alarms among school staff.
According to a statement from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) on social media, deputies were dispatched to the school after the girl’s injuries were observed, prompting an urgent investigation into the matter.
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VCSO officials disclosed that the young girl was a victim of physical abuse, which her parents allegedly attempted to conceal by keeping her home from school for two days. The child also reportedly informed investigators that she often goes hungry.
Following the investigation, deputies arrested 29-year-old Jeffrey Morales on charges of child abuse, while 35-year-old Melissa Husk faces charges of child neglect. Authorities allege that Husk was aware of the abuse but chose to conceal the situation rather than take action to protect her daughter.
“You’re her mom and you’re supposed to protect her, and you failed,” a deputy sergeant tells Husk on bodycam after explaining her charge.Â
Watch the bodycam video below:
The video also shows the moments the girl draws a picture for the sergeant who responded to the call, handing it to her. VCSO says the sergeant will be keeping the picture in her patrol car.Â