A 42-year-old Florida man has been arrested on charges that he subjected two children to what authorities described as "heinous punishment" that included forcing a 12-year-old boy to live in an unconditioned laundry room and depriving him of basic necessities, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.
Background
William Conner was taken into custody Thursday following a referral from the Department of Children and Families in May. The investigation, conducted by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, revealed disturbing allegations about the treatment of two minors under his care—a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. Authorities determined that the boy was Conner's "main target" for the alleged abuse.
The Charges
Deputies say the abuse extended across multiple months and included a series of cruel acts designed to torment the child. The boy was allegedly made to live in a detached laundry room on the property, a space without air conditioning despite Florida's brutal summer heat. Investigators say the child had no functioning bathroom facilities and was forced to use a bucket as a toilet.
The allegations grow more disturbing upon examination of the food and water provided to the child. According to deputies, Conner allegedly fed the boy food contaminated with animal feces and gave him water mixed with urine. When the child learned what he had consumed, he vomited—authorities say Conner's response was to laugh.
Sleep deprivation was also part of the alleged regimen. Investigators state Conner sometimes forced the boy to stay awake through the night and would blast audio into the room to torment him if he fell asleep. The 14-year-old girl was subjected to some of the same treatment, though authorities indicate she was not the primary target.
A second suspect, Samantha Lucas, 33, was also arrested in connection with the case. She faces two counts of child neglect. Both Conner and Lucas have since posted bond following their arrests.
Key Takeaways
- William Conner, 42, is charged with two counts each of child abuse and child neglect
- The alleged abuse targeted a 12-year-old boy who was forced to live in an unconditioned laundry room
- Investigators say the child was fed food contaminated with animal feces and given water mixed with urine
- The boy allegedly suffered sleep deprivation and psychological torment when he attempted to rest
- Samantha Lucas, 33, faces two counts of child neglect; both suspects have posted bond
What's Next
Conner is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 11 for his next hearing. Lucas is set for an arraignment on Aug. 18. The children are no longer in Conner's custody, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.