Florida man allegedly forced children to stay awake all night, gave them food contaminated with animal feces

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (TCN) -- A 42-year-old man has been arrested on charges of child abuse and child neglect in connection with the alleged treatment of two children, a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of William Conner on July 24. “The year’s not over but this P.O.S. is on track to be Scumbag of the YEAR,” the press release reads. 

The investigation into Conner began in May when the Department of Children and Families referred the case to the sheriff’s office. The investigation revealed Conner allegedly punished and mistreated the two children, and the sheriff’s office claims the boy was Conner’s “main target.”

The boy was allegedly forced to stay in a locked laundry room with no water, air conditioning, or access to a bathroom. He was allegedly forced to use a bucket instead and was monitored by camera. The boy, and sometimes the girl, were allegedly forced to stay awake all night and “tormented with two-way audio” if they fell asleep, per the sheriff’s office. 

The boy was allegedly given food mixed with animal feces and water mixed with urine. When the child found out what it contained, he threw up, allegedly causing Conner to laugh, according to the sheriff’s office. In an interview, the boy alleged Conner beat him with objects including a spatula, a studded belt, and an electronic power cord.

The sheriff’s office determined there was probable cause to arrest Conner and 33-year-old Samantha Lucas. They were arrested July 23, and Conner was charged with two counts each of child abuse and child neglect. Lucas was charged with two counts of child neglect.

Conner and Lucas both bonded out of jail, per the sheriff’s office, and the children are no longer in their custody. WFLA reports it is unknown what the relationship is between the children, Conner, and Lucas.

Law & Crime reports Conner has a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 11. Lucas is set to be arraigned on Aug. 18.

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