VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – An Ormond Beach man has been put behind bars after two children were put through “heinous punishment” and “cruel mistreatment,” according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
In a release, deputies said the case involves 42-year-old William Conner and two children, ages 12 and 14.
“The 12-year-old boy, who was Conner’s main target, was deprived of food and water and forced to stay in a detached laundry room that had no A/C, running water or bathroom access, leaving him to use a bucket,” the release reads.
In addition, the boy claimed that Conner fed him food contaminated with animal feces, as well as water mixed with urine, investigators reported.
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“When the boy learned what he ate, he vomited,” the release continues. “Conner laughed. The boy said Conner would hit him with a studded belt, electronic cords and plastic spatulas.”
According to the sheriff’s office, Conner monitored the laundry room with a camera and would sometimes force the boy to stay awake all night, using the two-way audio to “torment him” if the boy fell asleep.
Furthermore, the 14-year-old girl would sometimes be subjected to the same behavior, investigators noted.
“Thank God these kids are free from this abuse today,” the release states. “Without giving too much detail, they’re in a safe environment now.”
Now, Conner faces two counts of child abuse and two counts of child neglect.
Samantha Lucas, 33, also faces two counts of child neglect.
Both were taken into custody on Thursday and have since bonded out.