Adopted Girl, 12, Was Locked in Bedroom for Years, Forced to Clean Bodily Waste with Her Clothes: Affidavit

A Florida couple, Joel and Jennifer Kohnert, find themselves at the centre of a disturbing child abuse case, facing felony charges after allegedly confining their adopted daughter in a minimally furnished bedroom for approximately three years. The claims emerged from a probable cause affidavit that outlines a harrowing narrative of the child’s circumstances.

According to the affidavit, the Kohnerts allegedly limited the 12-year-old girl’s access to her toilet facilities, resulting in frequent episodes of her urinating and defecating in her room. The girl reported being compelled to clean up these accidents herself, using her clothing and a mixture of vinegar and bleach. Thereafter, she would wash the stained garments in a small bucket, further exacerbating the already bleak situation she endured.

Investigators from the Coral Springs Police Department revealed that the girl’s bedroom door was locked from the outside, and the window was fixed shut, effectively trapping her within. The room reportedly contained an air mattress, just three outfits, and a large sound machine intended to drown out household noise, as the Kohnerts have six biological children, four of whom are minors. In stark contrast to the adopted girl’s plight, her siblings enjoyed clean, well-furnished rooms filled with toys and personal belongings.

The child allegedly detailed her traumatic experiences to investigators, noting that she would only be allowed out of her confinement to bathe outdoors, often in inclement weather. As a further indication of her neglect, she described her living space as having a pervasive smell of urine, with clothing that bore stains consistent with her account of mistreatment.

During the course of the investigation, several interviews were conducted, including those with the Kohnerts’ six biological children. Remarkably, the couple did not deny the allegations and reportedly corroborated their adopted daughter’s claims. The Kohnerts, who adopted the girl when she was merely two months old, are accused of enforcing strict discipline that involved having her write Bible verses or endure punishing activities, such as treading water for prolonged periods.

The affidavit also recounts a chilling incident from the week prior to the investigation, where Jennifer Kohnert allegedly “pulled her hair” and “slapped her,” resulting in a bleeding lip. The adopted girl claimed that Jennifer insulted her with derogatory remarks and made comments linking her behaviour to her biological mother’s mental health issues and past substance abuse.

Following the arrest of the Kohnerts, both the adopted daughter and her four biological siblings were removed from the home for their protection. As the case continues to unfold, additional charges have emerged against the couple, including four counts of contributing to the neglect of a child, alongside a singular count of child neglect.

The Kohnerts have formally pleaded not guilty to all charges as the investigation expands, drawing attention to the possible implications of systemic failures within child protective services. The case raises broader concerns about the welfare of children in similar situations and the crucial need for vigilance in identifying and reporting suspected abuse.

In light of these serious allegations, child welfare advocates are urging anyone who suspects abuse to come forward. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline remains a vital resource, offering confidential support and guidance available around the clock in numerous languages.

This deeply unsettling case urges society to reflect on child protection mechanisms and highlights the importance of remaining vigilant in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community.