A Florida couple has been sentenced to prison for abusing their adopted children, causing severe injuries and inflicting emotional trauma.
Jennifer Wolfthal, 45, and Joseph Wolfthal, 43, pleaded guilty to multiple charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect. Jennifer Wolfthal was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Joseph Wolfthal received a 10-year sentence. Both will also serve 10 years of probation following their release.
The investigation began on New Year’s Day 2021 when a Seminole County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a medical call involving one of the Wolfthals’ adopted children. The child was critically ill and had to be transferred to a hospital for specialized care.
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Further investigation revealed that two other children in the home were also suffering from injuries and severe neglect. One child was hospitalized with a staph infection, sepsis, liver failure, renal failure, open wounds, and pneumonia.
The other children were treated for skin infections, open wounds, malnutrition, and bruising.
The children described a pattern of horrific abuse, including:
- Physical punishment: Being spanked with an object to the point of bleeding.
- Emotional abuse: Being constantly told they were “sinning” and getting in trouble for minor infractions.
- Malnourishment: Being fed a restricted diet of bran flakes, water, and vegetable puree.
- Isolation: Being locked in their rooms for extended periods, with limited contact with other adults.
- Sleep deprivation and unsanitary conditions: Being forced to sleep on plastic mattress covers without bedding and having cold water poured on them as punishment.
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The children were reportedly terrified to leave their rooms, even to use the bathroom, leading to unsanitary conditions and further emotional distress.
According to WFTV, the couple adopted the children in 2014.
Jennifer Wolfthal is a published children’s book author and former elementary school teacher. Her online biography stated that she homeschooled her children.
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