A married couple from Kissimmee is facing child abuse charges after a child was allegedly struck numerous times with a belt and choked inside their home during a “punishment” that lasted nearly 30 minutes.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Children and Families launched an investigation on Wednesday, December 11, after receiving reports that a child had been abused at a local residence. The alleged incident occurred at a home in Kissimmee four days earlier, according to OCSO.
The sheriff’s office stated that on Saturday, December 7, a man – later identified as 42-year-old Lance Eugene Rachel, Sr. – became angry over a missing couch cushion and accused the child/victim of lying.
Over the course of a 28-minute period, Lance allegedly struck the victim over 50 times with a belt as punishment while “screaming obscenities” at the victim. During the incident, he also allegedly choked the victim and threatened to “break (the victim’s) jaw.”
OCSO stated that a portion of the incident was captured on surveillance cameras that were set up inside the home.
On Monday, December 16, OCSO detectives made contact with Lance and conducted an interview. Lance allegedly provided information to detectives that “confirm(ed) the abuse.”
Lance was arrested and transported to Osceola County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond. He is being charged with aggravated child abuse and battery by strangulation.
In addition, Lance’s wife – identified as 35-year-old Kimberly Corene Rachel – was arrested for failure to report known child abuse. She was also booked into Osceola County Jail, where she is being held on a $5,000 bond.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office did not specify the victim’s relationship with both suspects.