University of Florida employees charged with child abuse for confining children, age 2 and 6, in cages

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA: Two parents, both employed at the University of Florida, have been accused of locking their 6-year-old and 2-year-old children in makeshift cages.

The parents were arrested on Friday, December 8, and now face serious charges, including two counts of aggravated child abuse and one count of child neglect, leading to their arrest and subsequent placement on administrative leave from the University of Florida on December 11.

University-employed parents accused of child abuse

The investigation began when the 6-year-old informed a school worker about the disturbing treatment, prompting the Department of Children and Families to intervene.

The accused parents, aged 31 and 35, hold positions as biological scientists where the mother works in the Plant Pathology Department, while the father is associated with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Horticultural Sciences Department.

Gainesville Police visited the family's home, where the children reside, as part of the investigation.

Upon entering the boy’s bedroom, officers discovered a large unsanded, wooden enclosure made of pressure-treated 2x4’s, serving as a makeshift cage.

The cage had a door secured with two stainless steel barrel bolts, and the child explained that his father built it, confining him after returning from school until the following morning.

6-year-old describes harrowing treatment endured at the hands of parents

According to the arrest report, the 6-year-old revealed distressing details, stating that he was compelled to wear "pull-ups" (toddler diapers) when confined in the cage overnight.

Meanwhile, the toddler sibling experienced a different kind of makeshift enclosure - a crib overturned and placed over a mattress on the floor, as per Miami Herald.

The child recounted instances where he was confined after returning from school, at times remaining inside until he had to leave for school again the following morning at 7 am.

Additionally, on occasions when the child returned from school while his mother was still working, he would be placed in the cage until his father returned home from work at the university, as stated by the police. 

Further, the investigation revealed that the children were not only subjected to confinement but also had alarming exposure to hazardous conditions. The crib repurposed as a cage, was found in the parents' bedroom closet, with exposed metal springs.

Following the intervention of authorities, the children were removed from the home and placed under the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

As they left, the 6-year-old expressed, “I didn’t want anyone to get in trouble. I just didn’t want to be in the cage,” underscoring the emotional trauma inflicted on the young victims.