JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Jackson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of child abuse in Cottondale, Fla. on Sunday, September 24.
At the scene, deputies spoke with the grandmother of the 7 kids that lived at the residence. She reported that the children had been disciplined with a belt by 4 subjects.
Reports say that the deputies were made aware that the children were also in the care of a babysitter while their parents were away for work, for approximately 2 weeks. Deputies photographed the extreme bruises and whelps on six of the seven children.
The children were interviewed by the Department of Children and Families. The interviews revealed that along with the punishment the kids received with the belt, they also were sleep deprived and made to exercise until 4 a.m.
It was also revealed that the 4 assailants were Kenneth W. Spencer III, 20, Tyler Sheffield, 19, Denny Tijerina, 18, and Jade Whithead, 20.
All were arrested, charged with Child Abuse, and transported to the Jackson County Jail.
The investigation is still ongoing and other charges are pending.
