A Florida couple has been charged with child abuse after investigators alleged that their 12-year-old adopted daughter was locked in her bedroom for years and subjected to abusive treatment inside the family home.
According to police reports and court documents, the allegations involve a pattern of conduct that reportedly began when the child was about 9 years old. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges are being considered.
Arrest
Coral Springs police arrested 44-year-old Joel Christopher Kohnert and his wife, identified in court records as Renee or Jennifer Kohnert, on March 31.
Both were charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
Joel Kohnert, a lieutenant with Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, has been placed on administrative leave while the criminal case proceeds.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Coral Springs, Florida |
| Defendants | Joel Christopher Kohnert and Renee/Jennifer Kohnert |
| Arrest Date | March 31 |
| Charge | Child abuse without great bodily harm |
| Child’s Age | 12 |
Allegations
According to the police report, the girl told investigators she was locked inside her bedroom from the outside overnight and, at times, during the day for approximately two to three years.
She alleged that while confined to the room, she was frequently denied access to a bathroom.
As a result, she told investigators she was forced to urinate or defecate on herself or on the floor.
Police said the child reported being required to clean the waste using her own clothing along with vinegar and bleach before washing the clothing in a bucket and wearing the same items again.
These allegations are contained in court documents and have not been proven in court.
Investigation
Investigators reported observing stains on the girl’s clothing that they said were consistent with her account.
Police also noted that she was wearing underwear sized for a toddler when she was removed from the residence.
According to arrest documents, the child further alleged that she was required to bathe outside while wearing a bathing suit and that disciplinary measures included repeatedly writing Bible verses.
She reportedly told investigators that the treatment differed from that of the family’s other six children.
Evidence
Police said a sound machine had been placed inside the girl’s bedroom, allegedly reducing her ability to hear activity elsewhere in the home.
Investigators believe the alleged abuse occurred over several years.
Child protection authorities have since removed the girl from the residence and placed her in protective custody.
Court
During a court hearing on April 1, a defense attorney denied the allegations and described the couple as “devout Christians.”
The judge allowed the child abuse charge to proceed.
According to reports, Broward County prosecutors are continuing to review evidence collected during the investigation, including interviews with other children in the household, to determine whether additional charges are appropriate.
The criminal case remains ongoing.
The allegations against the Florida couple remain before the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Investigators continue to examine evidence while prosecutors determine whether further charges will be filed as the case moves through the legal process.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the case?
Joel Christopher Kohnert and his wife were arrested.
What charges do they face?
They are charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.
Where did the case occur?
The investigation is based in Coral Springs, Florida.
What happened to the child?
She was removed from the home and placed in protective custody.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Prosecutors are reviewing additional evidence.
