KISSIMMEE, Fla. (TNND) — A Florida couple has been arrested on child abuse charges after a boy was reportedly beaten for lying about a couch cushion.
Authorities say 42-year-old Lance Rachel physically abused the child for nearly 30 minutes over the alleged lie about a misplaced cushion. Osceola County Sheriff’s investigators began their probe into the incident on December 11, following a report from the Department of Children and Families and local law enforcement.
Surveillance footage from the Rachel family’s home revealed the extent of the abuse, showing Rachel allegedly punishing the child with malice. Investigators stated that Rachel yelled obscenities and struck the victim more than 50 times with a belt during the 28-minute assault. The child was reportedly choked and subjected to degrading language. At one point, Rachel allegedly threatened to break the boy’s jaw.
During questioning, Rachel reportedly admitted to the abuse. His wife, Kimberly Rachel, was arrested for failing to report the known abuse despite being aware of it.
Lance Rachel faces charges of aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation. Kimberly Rachel has been charged for her failure to report the abuse. Authorities released a video showing the couple being escorted from their home in police custody.