In the U.S. state of Florida, a 24-year-old woman has been arrested—following other family members—for the abuse of a 15-year-old schoolgirl. Local10 reported the story.
The minor lived with her 49-year-old uncle, Crowley, and her 46-year-old aunt, Lockett. The couple and other relatives confined the teenager in cages and closets, forcing her to use a bucket for a toilet.
She was made to kneel on rice, was tied up, and had boiling water poured on her—ostensibly to “make sure she woke up.” Her uncle drove thumbtacks under her fingernails, stapled her back, and rubbed a “mixture of salt and hair conditioner” into her eyes.
Some family members did not participate in the abuse but failed to report the situation to the police. One of them, 32-year-old Gibbons, worked for an organization dealing with child abuse issues; she used her knowledge of the system to coach Crowley on how to interact “properly” with investigators.
A 74-year-old relative with a history of child abuse also lived with the girl, though he did not participate in the torture.
All six family members are currently under arrest; the sex offender was arrested in connection with a separate case.
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