Joel Christopher Kohnert, 44, a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant, and his wife Jennifer Renee Kohnert, 45, have been accused of locking their 12-year-old adopted daughter in a sparsely decorated bedroom for two to three years, forcing her to urinate and defecate in the room and then clean it up, according to authorities in Coral Springs, Florida.
Allegations and Investigation
The investigation began after the girl told school staff she had been confined to her room with no access to a bathroom. The window was secured shut, and a loud sound machine was used to drown out any noise she made. She was also allegedly made to copy Bible verses as punishment, police said.
The couple lived with six biological children, all of whom had clean, well-furnished rooms and normal access to the home. Defense lawyers argued the treatment stemmed from a misunderstanding of the family’s religious beliefs, but the arrest report stated the adopted girl was the only child who suffered the abuse, NBC Miami reported.
Charges Upgraded
Initially arrested in March on child abuse without great bodily harm charges, the couple now faces upgraded charges of aggravated child abuse, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors have also added five further counts: one for child neglect relating to the adopted daughter and four for the biological children, ages 3 to 12, who were exposed to the ongoing abuse environment.
Under Florida law, exposing children to such conditions can result in “contributing to the dependency” charges, Local 10 reported. Forensic interviews with the biological children helped confirm the restrictions placed on their adopted sister.
Court Proceedings and Employment Status
On Monday, July 13, the couple appeared in court. The judge kept their bond at $100,000 (£78,000) but ordered GPS monitoring and prohibited contact with any minor children unless allowed by the dependency court. Both have entered not guilty pleas.
Joel Kohnert was placed on administrative investigative leave without pay and remains suspended as the criminal case continues. An Internal Affairs probe into his conduct has been launched, with the investigation handled externally by Coral Springs Police.
The next hearing is set for August 20, with a provisional trial date of August 31, though that is expected to change. The couple will be tried together.
