Stepmom accused of torturing 8-year-old girl by scratching her, jumping on her back, forcing her to drink hot sauce
04/15/2026 7:00 pm PDT
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. (TCN) -- A 42-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with child abuse and neglect in connection with the treatment of her 8-year-old stepdaughter.
According to arrest documents obtained by WPLG, a school counselor contacted the Broward County Sheriff’s Office on April 9 when a child told her she had been injured by her stepmother, Melirose Joncky. The child, whose name has not been released, was reportedly in a cast and had black eyes, dried blood coming from her ears, scratches on her arms and neck, and a contusion on her forehead.
During her interview with investigators, the child alleged that her scratches came from a beating with a phone charger, and that she had been choked to the point of being unable to breathe. She also alleged Joncky pushed her to the ground, stood on her back, and jumped up and down the previous day. She claimed Joncky hit her in the head with a pot and a knife.
In the arrest report, a detective noted the child said she was punished by being forced to drink a bottle of hot sauce and had to consume a whole mouthful of salt, WPLG reports.
The child was treated at a hospital for her injuries, which included multiple fractures. Scratches were also found on the girl’s genital region; the child alleged Joncky scratched her there and then poured hot sauce onto the wounds.
CBS reports the child told interviewers she had been sexually assaulted by her father in the past.
On April 9, Joncky was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect of a child causing bodily harm and remains held without bond, per WPLG. At her first court appearance, she denied the allegations.
NBC Miami reports that in court, the judge said, “I’ve never read anything like this, and based upon what’s alleged in here, I’ve got serious concerns for the safety of the victim.”
The girl is currently in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, according to CBS. NBC Miami reports another minor child in the home was also taken into state custody.
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