A Florida woman has been arrested on charges of child abuse after authorities allege she forced her younger brother to kneel on rice for several hours in a shed and refused to let him use the bathroom when he misbehaved, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by local media outlets.
Nataly Francelia Cruz, 26, was taken into custody Wednesday following an incident at a residence on Southwest Ninth Street in Florida City, a small suburb located approximately 50 miles southwest of Miami. The juvenile victim told investigators the punishment had been ongoing since 11 a.m. that day before he sought help from a neighbor.
Background
The boy, who identified Cruz as his legal guardian since their mother was deported, went to a neighbor's residence around 4:45 p.m. and said he "couldn't take it anymore," according to the arrest affidavit. The charging document states this was not the first time the juvenile claimed he had been subjected to the rice punishment when he misbehaved.
When police arrived at the Florida City residence, the boy showed officers his injuries and identified his sister as responsible for the punishment. According to the affidavit, Cruz is also listed as the boy's legal guardian in family records.
The Charges
Cruz faces one count of child abuse without great bodily harm, Miami-Dade County court records show. She was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on $2,500 bond following her arrest.
During an initial appearance Thursday morning before 11th Judicial Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer, the court found probable cause for the charge. The judge ordered Cruz to stay away from her brother as a condition of her release. Jail records indicate Cruz is also subject to an immigration hold.
Key Takeaways
- Nataly Francelia Cruz, 26, was arrested for allegedly abusing her younger brother in Florida City
- Police say she forced the juvenile to kneel on rice for hours starting at 11 a.m.
- The victim went to a neighbor seeking help around 4:45 p.m., saying he "couldn't take it anymore"
- Cruz is the boy's legal guardian following their mother's deportation, according to police
- She was charged with one count of child abuse without great bodily harm and released on $2,500 bond
What's Next
Cruz is scheduled to remain held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center pending further proceedings. A no-contact order prohibits her from approaching her brother during the pendency of the case. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for potential grand jury review or trial.