A Florida man has been arrested after investigators accused him of subjecting two children to prolonged abuse and neglect, including forcing a 12-year-old boy to live in a detached laundry room without air conditioning, denying him basic necessities, and allegedly contaminating his food and water.
William Conner Faces Multiple Felony Charges
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Conner, 42, on two counts of child abuse and two counts of child neglect.
Investigators allege Conner subjected a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl to severe mistreatment over an extended period.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood condemned the allegations in a public statement, describing the reported abuse as among the worst cases his office has encountered.
Boy Allegedly Forced to Live in Laundry Room Without Air Conditioning
According to deputies, the 12-year-old boy was Conner’s primary target.
Investigators say Conner forced the child to stay in a detached laundry room that had no air conditioning, despite Florida’s intense summer heat.
Authorities allege the boy was regularly deprived of food and water and was forced to use a bucket as a toilet because the room did not have proper bathroom facilities.
Deputies described the conditions as dangerous and degrading.
Child Reportedly Fed Contaminated Food and Water
The sheriff’s office alleges that the abuse went far beyond isolation.
According to investigators, the boy told detectives that Conner intentionally gave him food contaminated with animal feces and water mixed with urine.
Deputies said the child became sick and vomited after discovering what he had been forced to consume.
Investigators further allege that Conner laughed after seeing the boy’s reaction.
Authorities Say Boy Was Kept Awake for Hours
Deputies also accuse Conner of depriving the child of sleep.
According to investigators, the boy was sometimes forced to remain awake throughout the night.
When the child attempted to sleep, Conner allegedly played loud audio into the laundry room to disturb and torment him.
Authorities say the repeated sleep deprivation formed part of the ongoing abuse.
Teen Girl Also Allegedly Victimized
Investigators said a 14-year-old girl was also subjected to some of the same abusive treatment.
While authorities have not released specific details about every allegation involving the girl, deputies said she was also a victim of neglect and mistreatment.
Investigation Began After Child Welfare Referral
The case began in May, when the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) referred the allegations to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
Detectives gathered evidence and interviewed those involved before determining there was probable cause to file criminal charges.
Conner was arrested on Thursday.
Second Suspect Also Arrested
Authorities also arrested Samantha Lucas, 33, in connection with the investigation.
Lucas has been charged with two counts of child neglect.
Investigators have not accused Lucas of carrying out the same alleged abuse as Conner but say she is criminally responsible for neglect involving the children.
Both Defendants Released on Bond
Court records show that both Conner and Lucas have since posted bond.
Conner is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 11, while Lucas is expected to be arraigned on Aug. 18.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the two children have been removed from Conner’s custody and are no longer living in the environment described by investigators.
The criminal case remains under prosecution as authorities continue to pursue the charges against both defendants.
